asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of British firms trading in China owing to the imitation by Chinese of trade marks owned by British firms and registered in China; and will he take steps to prevent this in future?

Yes, Sir. The matter will continue to receive close attention, and all possible steps will continue to be taken to protect the interests of British firms.

Can my Noble Friend give me a little more information as to the steps that will be taken?

I can only assure my hon. Friend that we are taking all possible steps in the matter.

Is there a Bill coming from another place dealing with this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the Chinese Government that it is desirable that the Chinese law relating to trade marks be so interpreted as to prevent the deception of the public by the use of similar marks by different owners, and that the Chinese law should be so amended as to make it plain that it is unlawful to register as a trade mark any device which being identical with or similar to a registered trade mark belonging to another owner and used on the same type of goods, whether in the same register class or not, is by reason of its similarity calculated to deceive the public?

The question of trade mark registration in China has from the beginning been given careful consideration. Frequent representations in the interests of British firms were made by His Majesty's Ambassador before the Chinese Trade Mark Law actually came into operation, and in July last the attention of the competent department of the Chinese Government was again drawn to the particular point raised by my hon. Friend.

Was there any result?

I have not heard of any further development, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that many British manufacturers are disinclined to incur the expense and trouble of providing samples of their goods for foreign exhibitions because frequently their goods are copied by foreign competitors and the import duties of the foreign countries in which the samples are exhibited prevent bulk sales to those countries; and how this difficulty is being met when our manufacturers are invited to exhibit their goods abroad?

I am aware that some firms hold the views indicated in this question. The fact, however, remains that many enterprising manufacturers both of British and foreign nationality continue year after year to show their goods at exhibitions in this country and abroad presumably because they find it worth while to do so. It is the constant endeavour of His Majesty's Government to make such arrangements with other countries as will result in a removal of restrictions on the import of United Kingdom goods.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) the strength of the garrisons at present maintained by the German Government in the demilitarised zone of the Rhineland?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on this subject on 6th July, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before the signature of the recent Anglo-Italian Mediterranean accord, the terms of the German-Italian air agreement of last summer in regard to the use of the Dodecanese Islands were precisely ascertained and found innocuous to British interests in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The answer to both parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Japanese Government have yet given any proof of the reality of their desire, officially expressed on 14th January, for a furtherance of the traditional friendship between Great Britain and Japan by tendering a satisfactory apology for the treatment by their officials of a British naval officer and three naval ratings at Keelung on 7th October last?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Japanese Government, further to their interim reply on the subject, have now rendered full satisfaction to His Majesty's Government in connection with the ill-treatment of the three British sailors at Keelung?

This matter is still under discussion with the Japanese Government, who have not yet given their final reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the proposals of the Japanese Government to cancel the perpetual leases, granted to certain British subjects in the treaty pacts upon the expiration of extra-territorial rights in Japan in 1899, on terms which the holders of the leases regard as unilateral denunciation of their rights by the Japanese Government; and whether he proposes to make any representations to the Japanese Government on the subject?

Yes, Sir. The recent proposals of the Japanese Government have been discussed by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo with the British Leaseholders' Committees, and as a result the Ambassador has put forward counter proposals which are now under consideration by the Japanese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Article 86 of the Constitution of the free city of Danzig, which declares it to be the duty of every citizen to protect the Constitution against unlawful attacks, is still in operation?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to Article 87 of the Constitution, which prescribes the duty to which he refers. This article has not been revised, and therefore still forms part of the Constitution.

Are the provisions of that article being implemented at the present time?

As the hon. Member knows, the whole of this situation is under discussion at Geneva, and I am afraid I cannot say anything further at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the ordinances instituting and prolonging protective custody under which persons, including members of the Danzig Diet, are imprisoned without trial, are a violation of the constitution, he will say what course of action His Majesty's Government intend to propose to the Council of the League of Nations with a view to abrogating these ordinances?

As the hon. Member is aware, the whole situation in Danzig is at the present moment the subject of discussion by the Council of the League of Nations. While it is not possible for me to make any statement regarding the probable outcome of these discussions, the hon. Member may rest fully assured that all relevant facts will come under review during their course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the report of the health organisation of the League that 200 motor-omnibuses are needed for the Spanish Government to assist in the evacuation of the civilian population of Madrid; and whether he can assure the House that the Spanish Government will receive every facility for obtaining these motors, if they desire to do so, from this country?

I understand that the report of the health experts sent by the Secretary-General of the League to Spain at the request of the Spanish Government has been placed on the agenda of the present session of the Council but that it has not yet been considered by the Council. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure the hon. Lady that no difficulty will be placed in the way of the purchase of omnibuses for this purpose.

Will the Government consider any further measures for facilitating this object, such as giving some financial assistance, and, if possible, assuring the protection of the International Red Cross for convoys of the civil population?

So far as I am aware, the Spanish Government have not asked for any financial assistance.

Will the right hon. Gentle-may ask the Minister of Transport to get the London Passenger Transport Board to give Spain all the N.S. omnibuses they have?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what reports have been received by his Department during the last 12 months in respect of cruelty to horses exported to Belgium, Holland, and France; and what reports he has received on this matter from his inspectors?

A number of letters have been received, but these have been of a general character. The usual regular reports have been received from inspectors on the con-

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been

Has the Minister any reason to suppose that any infirm or worn-out horses are now exported to foreign ports for butchery or otherwise?

The reports show that, on the whole, the regulations for the safe and humane treatment of these animals are being admirably observed.

Are there any regulations for horses not sold for butchery on arrival, but sold for use in private service?

The regulations for the export of animals apply to all animals irrespective of whatever their use on arrival at the port of destination.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number and value of the horses exported during 1936 to Belgium, Holland, and France, respectively?

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

I am aware of the report referred to, but I am not in a position at present to make any statement as regards the introduction of legislation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in his further consideration give attention to the number of commons which are rapidly becoming incapable of maintenance because of the building operations which have deprived land near them of common rights?

In general I agree with the hon. Member as regards the desirability of legislation, but when that legislation can conveniently be introduced depends on a number of factors outside my control.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to relieving traffic congestion in Central London, he will take steps to encourage the provision of underground garages beneath all Crown property in this part of London, both by insisting on their provision in the case of new buildings being erected on Crown land and by providing some inducement to owners of existing buildings to construct such garages?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will urge upon local authorities the desirability of

In the case of certain new buildings contemplated in the near future on the Crown Estate, the Commissioners of Crown Lands have arranged provisionally for the construction of underground garages. They have also co-operated with the London County Council by arranging that a new building to be erected shortly in Lower Regent Street shall be erected in such a way as to permit of the picking up and setting down on the site itself of persons visiting the building, thus relieving traffic in the public streets. Difficult financial and other questions may be involved by proposals for constructing underground garages under buildings already existing in Central London, but the Commissioners will gladly consider in consultation with the building lessees any proposals for the purpose made by the transport and town planning authorities, which are the bodies primarily responsible for traffic policy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for dangerous driving and how many for careless driving were instituted by the Metropolitan Police in 1936 when there had been no accident and how many following an accident; and how many convictions were secured in the above prosecutions?

:The desired figures will be found in a table which, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

It is already a condition of grants from the Road Fund that all materials shall, as far as practicable, be of United Kingdom origin.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take into serious consideration the use of tar made in England on tar macadam roads?

asked the Minister of Transport the approximate average cost of maintenance per square yard of the following types of road-surfacing: water-bound macadam, tar-bound macadam, cement-bound macadam, asphalt and concrete?

I cannot give my hon. Friend figures because conditions in different parts of the country are not comparable.

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend think it would be possible to obtain some figures?

We have certain figures but they are not very accurate because of different circumstances in different parts of the country. For instance, in stone-producing counties it may be cheaper to have the roads of stone, which might not be so elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will advise local authorities that when selecting the type of road surface to be adopted due regard be paid to those having maximum visibility at night and non-skid properties?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons have been killed, and how many injured, in Broad way, Wimbledon, since 1st January, 1936; how many of those persons were killed or injured while on a footwalk or refuge; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the danger to pedestrians on this busy thoroughfare in view of his refusal to confirm an order for a speed limit of 20 miles per hour made by the town council on the road?

Two persons were killed and 37 were injured in street accidents which occurred in Wimbledon Broadway during the period 1st January, 1936, to 20th January, 1937. Two accidents caused the death of one person and in- juries to five persons who were on the footpath. No persons were killed or injured while on a refuge. My right hon. Friend has made a grant towards the cost of providing pedestrian crossings and guard rails in Wimbledon Broadway adjacent to the Town Hall and is in touch with the borough council as to the desirability of installing pedestrian-operated signals.

Ought not the Minister to review the number of miles per hour at which vehicles may pass on some of these very important roads in and around London?

We are constantly reviewing the position. In this case a special speed limit of 20 miles an hour was asked for, and we felt that other methods of dealing with the danger were better than that suggestion.

How long will the Government remain inactive in view of the murder of innocents that is going on in London?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman is accurate in saying the Government are inactive.

When are they going to be effectively active?

I think that they are.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the dangerous condition of overcrowding in which the public are compelled to travel during rush hours in the London area, he will take steps, either by representations to the railway companies or otherwise, to see that adequate railway accommodation is provided for the travelling public during these periods?

I will bring the matter to which the hon. Member refers to the notice of the railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman particularly draw their attention to the services in South-East London?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport what action, if any, he proposes to take to prohibit any further use of red or green electric signs of the Neon type on factories and shops near or adjacent to major roads, which in many areas cause confusion to the motorist in that they cannot be differentiated from automatic traffic signals?

Under Section 48 (4) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, highway authorities are empowered to require the removal of any traffic sign or any object which closely resembles a traffic sign that it might reasonably be taken for such a sign.

Who will be the judge of that?

The highway authority.

Has not the Ministry had sufficient experience of these various forms of lighting?

It is for the highway authority to act. My right hon. Friend is not a highway authority.

Ought not the Minister to do something to secure uniformity, as the different forms of lighting cause considerable embarrassment?

My right hon. Friend is looking into the matter, which, I agree, is causing a certain amount of difficulty.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the grave anxiety with which the poultry farmers and smallholders of the country view the present outlook of the egg and poultry industry; and whether, in view of the fact that feeding costs were at least 30 per cent, higher and imports of foreign eggs much heavier in 1936 than in 1935, and egg prices for January were at the lowest level for many years, he can take immediate action to check the extra flow of imports?

I am aware of the representations that have been made to the effect mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, so far as the question of additional duties on imports of eggs from foreign countries is concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on Thursday last to a question by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills). My hon. Friend will appreciate that the recent fall in prices has had the effect of increasing the ad valorem incidence of the existing duties to from 20 per cent, to 25 per cent. There is no power to regulate imports of eggs quantitatively, the position in regard to which, as my hon. Friend will be aware, is governed by the provisions of Section 1 (1) of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933.

Cannot my right hon. Friend ask the President of the Board of Trade to take steps to revise the voluntary "gentleman's agreement" quoted?

All these matters are under consideration.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman in any way to prevent the very serious increase in the cost of the incidence of feeding stuff?

That is a matter which depends on weather conditions more than on anything I can do.

Does not the foreigner pay on all this stuff?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recently announced discovery by the university of British Columbia of a cure for neuro-lymphomatosis, which caused a loss of £4,000,000 to the poultry industry in Great Britain last year; and whether any action is to be taken in the matter?

I have seen the brief announcement relating to this discovery that appeared a short time ago in the Press. As regards the second part of the question, we must, I think, await the full account of the work on which the claim is based.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increasing amount of clerical work involved for farmers as the result of the recent increases in returns and the introduction of the various marketing schemes, he will consider the desirability of introducing a scheme to place at the disposal of farmers, either gratis or at specially reduced rates, the services of experienced travelling clerks?

I regret that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of persons who would be eligible to receive the subsidy under the Livestock Industry Bill at present, giving the nearest estimate?

Any person who is or cares to become a producer of fat cattle and presents for certification a beast of the prescribed type and quality will be eligible to receive the subsidy. The number of persons at present producing fat cattle in the United Kingdom which are likely to qualify for subsidy is estimated to be 130,000.

Can the Minister inform me who will be the likely recipient of the next munificent grant from the taxpayers?

It is anyone who engages in this pursuit of producing cattle. It is open to the hon. Member, if he is attracted by the prospects, to engage in that occupation.

May I put in an application for anybody who is seeking relief of this sort?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken in the interests of national defence to increase the home production of cereals and meat?

From 1931 to 1936 the production in the United Kingdom of beef and veal increased by 19 per cent. and that of pigmeat by 41 per cent. In the same period the wheat acreage increased by 44 per cent. These increases are, in large measure, attributable to the steps that have been taken by the Government to promote the well-being of these branches of agriculture and to maintain the productivity of the industry in the national interests.

In view of the fact that this question was originally addessed to the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, who is responsible for food storage, and was transferred by him to my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether it is really satisfactory to divide between two Ministers the responsibility for ensuring adequate supplies of foodstuffs in time of war?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, is it not a fact that there are some 5,000,000 fewer acres now under arable cultivation in this country than there were 50 years ago?

I should require to have notice of the second supplementary question, because I am not sure of the figure, and I should not like to give an inaccurate one. As regards the first supplementary question, I would say that the part which agriculture can play in this country in time of peace and in time of war is a matter of agricultural policy, and the policy of His Majesty's Government is framed to ensure that it will play its part in this country under any conditions. Every question affecting supplies in war, which involves more than British agriculture, is at present under the active consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is now proposed to discontinue the payment of the wheat subsidy?

Under the Wheat Act, 1932, deficiency payments would only cease to be payable to registered growers if the ascertained average price of homegrown millable wheat for any cereal year ending on 31st July rose to approximately 10s. a cwt. The average price for the current cereal year to date is appreciably below that figure.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now able to state the causes of delay in postal deliveries during the recent Christmas season; and whether, in view of the increased demand for postal facilities during such periods, he will consider arrangements to take on an increased number of temporary employés at that time in future years?

The Christmas mail arrangements for 1936 were based, in accordance with the usual practice, on the experience of previous years; but in spite of liberal allowance for increased traffic, I greatly regret that there was delay in certain areas. The main reasons were the unexpectedly heavy increase of traffic and later posting by the public as compared with recent years. A large access of work on 22nd December threw the arrangements at a relatively small number of offices out of gear. The pressure thereafter was so constant that the ground lost could not be recovered. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the difficulties experienced will be taken into full account in framing the arrangements for 1937.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of extra staff employed for the Christmas rush period for the years 1936, 1935, and 1934, and the number of packets handled for the same dates?

The figures for the whole country are not yet available. In London, the number of letters and parcels posted during the Christmas period were approximately 138,200,000 in 1934, 143,700,000 in 1935 and 152,000,000 in 1936, and the extra staff employed was 10,919 in 1934, 11,967 in 1935 and 12,834 in 1936, an increase in two years of nearly 2,000. I will send the hon. Member the figures for the country as a whole as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has seen the report of the proceedings on the occasion of a deputation received by the engineer-in-chief from the Post Office Engineering Union, on 25th November, 1936; and whether he is in agreement with the replies given to the deputation, especially in regard to the value of pension privileges and regular overtime?

I have seen the report referred to. The statements made to the deputation in regard to the financial value of the factors in question were approximately correct. But the representations made by the union are under consideration.

Do I understand that the Postmaster-General endorses that reply?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer he will see what is our attitude. We are going into this matter with the union to clear it up.

But is the Postmaster-General in agreement with this reply that regular overtime should be taken into account when assessing pensions?

That is the point which I have told the hon. Member we are going into with the union.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that at Fankerton, a village 2½ miles from Denny, Stirlingshire, with a population of 200 inhabitants, there are no public telephonic facilities, the nearest telephone being 1½ miles away, he will consider the provision of a telephone kiosk at the village?

The case falls within the tercentenary concession under which I am prepared to provide a kiosk if the local authority is willing to pay for five years a rental of £4 per annum.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of mechanically-propelled Royal mail vans that are owned by the Post Office; and particulars of any accidents in which personal injuries or injuries with fatal results have been caused by such vans to members of the public during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

On 31st December last the Post Office owned 5,281 motor mail vans. Particulars of the total number of accidents causing personal injury to members of the public are not readily available for motor mail vans as distinct from other motor mail vehicles, but during the year 1936 these vans were involved in four accidents involving fatal injuries.

Are the drivers liable for third-party insurance, or does the Post Office take the responsibility?

I informed the House not long ago that we are in exactly the same position as anybody else with vans. May I add that we have far more mail-vans than two years ago, and that the number of fatal accidents is half what it was then?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that political emphasis is given in speeches and news broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether he is prepared to take action to secure that the dissemination of all information by the British Broadcasting Corporation is impartial?

Since March, 1928, the British Broadcasting Corporation have been empowered to broadcast speeches and statements on topics of political controversy on the understanding that such broadcast material shall be distributed with scrupulous fairness. The manner in which the Corporation have carried out this important and difficult task was investigated by the Ullswater Committee and reported on in favourable terms. With regard to any suggestion of political bias, the Ullswater Committee stated:

"It has been the avowed policy of the British Broadcasting Corporation to hold the scales even between the various political parties and in this, though there have been occasional criticisms from quarters widely separated, it has on the whole been successful."

In view of the widespread and numerous complaints which have arisen in recent weeks, will the Minister consider the setting up of a committee to consider that particular point only, so as to arrange for complete impartiality?

Would not the impartiality shown by the British Broadcasting Corporation be a worthy example for the Press of the country to follow?

Is the Postmaster-General aware of the resentment expressed in many quarters at the final statements that were recently made in the broadcasts by Professor Haldane and the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling), and that in the latter case there was undoubtedly political bias; and is he having an inquiry made?

There have unquestionably been complaints from both sides in this matter, which is an extremely difficult thing for the British Broadcasting Corporation to manage, but the Government's decision was that the Corporation should refrain from broadcasting its own opinion by way of editorial comment on current affairs. As stated in the White Paper, this rule is extended by the Government to the publications of the Corporation as well as to the broadcast programmes. The responsibility for seeing that this rule is applied rests with the Governors. I may add that I am not prepared to recommend an inquiry, seeing that we had an inquiry lasting for some months, that the committee reported and that the Government and the House have come to a decision on it.

Is it not open to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to make representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation that those responsible for talks on foreign affairs should be persons of British origin and speak with a British accent?

May copies of these broadcasts be made available in the Library?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation have now completed their plans to establish a separate wave-length for Wales; how soon will Wales have a separate programme from other parts of the country; and whether such programme will be entirely under the control of the Welsh regional director?

The Corporation have completed their plans. Wales will have a separate wave-length and separate programme as from next July. The usual wide powers of regional control over the programme will be in the hands of the regional director.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the further evidence supplied to him regarding the affairs of the Building Construction Investment Company, Limited, he is now prepared to take further steps to trace and prosecute the vendors of the shares who traded as V. H. Nash and Company; and whether, with a view to protecting the public in future, he will initiate legislation to have all trading in company shares conducted through the agency of registered stockbrokers who have deposited adequate security for their transactions?

I am informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions is at present conducting proceedings against certain persons in connection with various share-pushing transactions and has under consideration further proceedings of a similar character. I am also informed that certain inquiries are being made, but it would not be in the public interest to make any statement on the subject at present. As regards the second part of the question, this matter is under consideration by the Departmental Committee on Share-pushing.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the long time during which his Department and the police have had particulars of these cases before them, and that since the first disappearance in this case—where the directors disappeared—there have been fresh circulars issued appealing for money for this firm?

Yes, Sir.

Is he not prepared to take any steps whatever to protect innocent members of the public from this gang?

Yes, Sir; the Department has set up a Departmental Committee to consider the operation commonly known as share-pushing and share-hawking. That committee is at work, and is presided over by an ex-Director of Public Prosecutions, and evidence is now being taken.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that here is a specific case, of which particulars have been given, and that after many months no prosecution has yet taken place?

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer. Inquiries are being made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, but it is unwise to say about whom they are being made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have considered any scheme of compulsory insurance for the protection of property against war risks; and whether any decision has been made?

The Board of Trade have recently received representations from various quarters on the subject of the insurance of property against war risks on land. The matter is receiving active consideration.

Does the Minister not consider that the only possible form of insurance lies in an adequate Defence Force?

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, for what reason the Commissioners have turned out their tenants in Abingdon Street, leaving the several premises unoccupied; and whether it is the intention of the Commissioners to pull the houses down and rebuild?

Notice was given in order that the site should be available if required for King George V Memorial. It is the intention that the houses shall be demolished and replaced by a building appropriate to the situation and the future of the surroundings.

Has any compensation been paid to the tenants who have been displaced, and will they be offered accommodation in the proper new building?

There is no compensation, as the tenancies came to an end in the normal way.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have yet decided what action they will take to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Armaments; and whether he can inform the House what action they propose to take?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White).

asked the Prime Minister whether the claim of the Government of the Irish Free State to be a republic as regards internal affairs and a Dominion as regards external affairs is recognised by His Majesty's Government?

The question of the effect of the recent Irish Free State legislation on that country's relations to the British Commonwealth of Nations is now under examination, and until the examination is complete no statement can be made on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his conversations with Mr. de Valera covered matters affecting the interests of Northern Ireland; and, if so, whether he has consulted the Government of Northern Ireland thereon.

In the course of our recent conversations Mr. de Valera urged strongly that steps should be taken towards the establishment of a United Ireland. No scheme was, however, put forward, and the matter was not discussed further. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to issue a White Paper in regard to these conversations, so that the House may know what happened?

I am afraid that a White Paper would not add much to the information I have given to the House at this moment.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether arrangements will be made for the Coronation of His Majesty the King, although the exclusive privilege of the Church of England, on this occasion, in view of the unity of the nation in this respect, to be supported by other religious bodies who wish to share in the service?

This question has already been discussed by the proper authorities, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to a statement by the secretary of the Federal Council of the Evangelical Free Churches which appeared in the Press on Friday last.

Can the Lord President not see his way to give the same invitation to the Salvation Army generals as he has given to the Evangelical Free Church heads?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will publish the evidence given at the investigation into the Gresford Colliery disaster?

A typescript copy of the evidence has been available in the Library for some time past. The evidence is very long, and I do not propose to publish it.

Is not this evidence of sufficient importance, from the point of view of those outside, to warrant its publication?

No, Sir. I think that, if the House will await the report, they will see that that is so. The evidence is extremely voluminous; it covers 38 volumes of typescript.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consider providing an index to the 3,000 pages of typescript? It would be of great assistance.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for the House to have time to discuss the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the causes of the Gresford Colliery disaster?

Until the reports have been published early next month, I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he. has been in touch with the coalowners and workmen's representatives of the Brodsworth, Hickleton, Markham Main, and Yorkshire Main collieries, where nearly 12,000 mineworkers have been on strike for several weeks; and whether he has any statement to make?

My Department has kept in touch with the progress of this dispute, but hitherto there has been no indication that my intervention is desired by the parties. If and when it is desired, it will be immediately available.

Do I understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to imply that the Department are always ready to act as mediators?

I have said that, so far as I know, nobody wants me to intervene. If they do, I shall be very glad to render assistance.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to take action if a request comes from either side, or does he want both sides to agree before he will take action?

Nobody has done it yet. If one side did, I should consider what was the next step to take.

asked the Attorney-General whether the Government have reached any decision on the subject of official shorthand writing in the Royal Courts of Justice; and whether it is proposed to publish the report of the Honourable Mr. Justice Atkinson's Committee on this subject?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Loftus) on 2nd December, 1936, and to add that it is hoped to make a statement upon the matter at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health how many blind persons are registered in England and Wales: how many are in receipt of the blind pension; how many receiving augmentation-of-income grants from local authorities; and how many above the age of 16 are unemployable?

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

asked the President of the Board of Education the requirements, expressed as a rate in the pound, for elementary education and secondary education, respectively, during the year 1935 in the following cities: Bournemouth, Eastbourne, Hastings, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, and Salford?

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

asked the President of the Board of Education the percentage of school children who received milk in the schools during 1935 and 1936 in the following places: London, Glasgow, Salford, Stoke-on-Trent, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Bournemouth?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the

asked the Home Secretary whether, in issuing any circular or instructions in connection with the Shops (Sunday Trading) Act, he will consider the desirability of providing a full exposition with regard to the schedule, in view of the uncertainty of traders as to what particular goods will be included as permissible for sale on Sunday?