asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has been reached on the question of officers of the Indian Marine being granted marriage allowance, in view of the urgent need for this concession?

Yes, Sir. As announced in the Press on 13th January, my Noble Friend has sanctioned the introduction, with effect from 1st July last, of new scales of pay and allowances for commissioned officers of the Royal Indian Navy, which include marriage allowance. I will give my hon. and gallant Friend the details if he wishes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give information respecting two political prisoners, Nabajiban Ghosh and Santosh Ganguly, who committed suicide in prison or concentration camp; whether any inquiry has been ordered into the matter; and whether he is aware that these men were being kept in prison or concentration camp without trial and without charge stated, and for an indefinite period?

Nabajiban Ghosh, who was in village domicile, not in a prison or concentration camp, committed suicide on 22nd September, 1936, apparently in a fit of depression caused by bad news from home. Santosh Ganguli's suicide occurred in Deoli Detention Jail on 17th October. He appears to have been depressed about his health; but at the inquest proceedings, which were, of course, held in both cases, and for which reason it is not proposed to hold a special inquiry, the jail authorities were absolved from all blame. These men were terrorist detenus who, in the opinion of the local government, could not safely be allowed their freedom.

Was the charge against this man made known to him?

This man was detained under the usual arrangements which precede the detention of detenus.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will explain why the "Left Book News," published by a reputable firm of publishers in this country, has been prohibited entry into India by the Indian Government; and whether the possession of a copy of this publication in British India, or in any province thereof, would render the person concerned liable to imprisonment?

Copies of this publication have been found to contain articles of a Communist nature, the importation of which into India is considered undesirable. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a perfectly innocuous publisher's circular, which merely gives a summary of books that this publishing firm is trying to sell, and will he in these circumstances not reconsider his decision?

Is it not a fact that the reputable publisher was standing on a platform of Communism in the Albert Hall last night?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) has been on a platform with Communists, too?

I am aware that this publication contains a rather mixed bag, but it does contain certain material which is of a Communist nature and the importation of which the authorities regard as undesirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many candidates nominated for elections in the different Provinces in India have been disqualified on the ground that they have served sentences of imprisonment within the last five years, as laid down in Section 69 (e) of the Government of India Act, 1935?

I regret that I have not this information, but have asked for it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that H. N. Shastri, a former president of the Indian Trade Union Congress, and now a member of a trade union registered under the Indian Trade Union Act XVI of 1926, was nominated in congress and trade union interests as a candidate for the elections to the United Provinces Legislatures; that the nomination was declared invalid by the returning officer under Section 69 (e) of the Government of India Act, 1935; and whether, seeing that Mr. Shastri has not been convicted and sentenced for any single offence or on any single occasion for a period of two years or more, he will have this case inquired into?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India for what offences, and under what Sections of the criminal law or the ordinances, and for what periods, Mr. H. N. Shastri was sentenced to imprisonment; and whether these sentences were served concurrently, or passed on the same occasion, or on the same charge of series of charges?

Mr. Shastri received three sentences. The first, on 29th November, 1930, under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, was 18 months; the second, on 13th February, 1932, under Section 17 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, was one year; and the third, on 23rd February, 1932, under Section 23 of Ordinance II of 1932, was one year. The total of these sentences was 3½ years, and the returning officer, after hearing both parties, found that Mr. Shastri was disqualified under Section 69 (1) (e) of the Government of India Act, 1935. The orders of the returning officer are final, but it is open to Mr. Shastri to test the correctness of the rejection of his nomination by an election petition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that of all the nominations that have been handed in for the United Provinces, whether imprisonment has been served by candidates or not, this is the only nomination which has been disqualified, and will he have special inquiries made into this case to ascertain whether or not the Section referred to, Section 69 (e), does give the interpretation placed upon it by the disqualifying officer?

This was a matter of some doubt at the time, but the electoral rules provide that the decision of the returning officer on this matter is final. Therefore my Noble Friend does not think he can intervene with the authority. The possibility of filing an election petition is open to Mr. Shastri.

As this happens to be the only disqualification in the United Provinces, and as the nominee happens to be the only representative of the Indian Trade Union Congress, are we to assume from the hon. Gentleman's reply that the workers' representation can be and is likely to be nullified as a result of the returning officer's judgment?

The hon. Gentleman should know well that it is not our intention to prejudice workers' candidates in the elections. This gentleman was convicted under three charges, and the returning officer found that he should be disqualified. If Mr. Shastri is aggrieved, he should file an election petition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Section referred to says "two years' imprisonment," and that on no occasion has Mr. Shastri been sentenced to two years' imprisonment?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mr. Subhas Bose is running a temperature and has recently lost 20 lbs. in weigh; and whether, in view of the reported seriousness of Mr. Bose's condition and public anxiety in India in this matter, he will give instructions that Mr. Bose be set at liberty and allowed the opportunity for proper medical attention either in India or abroad?

In view of his state of health, Mr. Bose was transferred in December from Kurseong to the Medical College Hospital, Calcutta, in order that he might receive medical treatment, and I am confident that he has every facility there for obtaining proper attention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) whether he will instruct the authorities in India to accede to the request of the organisation of the railwaymen involved in the Bengal-Nagpur Railway dispute to the company and to the Government for referring the dispute to an arbitration board of for appointing a board of inquiry as provided by the Indian Trades Dispute Act;

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the strike of railway workers on the Bengal-Nagpur Railway; how many men are involved in the strike; whether he is aware that the demand of the strikers for a court of inquiry into their grievances, or for a board of conciliation under the Trades Dispute Act, has been rejected by the railway administration and by the Government of India; and whether, as there is a likelihood of the strike spreading to other railways if the present situation is allowed to continue, he will advise the Government of India to institute a court of inquiry into the grievances of railway workers or, alternatively, to appoint a board of conciliation?

A strike on the Bengal-Nagpur Railway began on 13th December arising out of the reduction of 27 men who were offered temporary employment in a lower grade pending their re-absorption in their original grade. This offer was refused, and the men were consequently discharged. About 30,000 men became involved in the strike. Mail and passenger services have been fully maintained while goods services have varied from 50 to 80 per cent. of normal. The Government of India received a proposal on 28th December from Mr. V. V. Giri, the president of the union, that a board of conciliation should be appointed, but after careful consideration they came to the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by taking this action or by appointing a court of inquiry.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is an extraordinary thing when a Government decides that no useful purpose may be served by substituting conciliation and arbitration for a strike?

According to the latest information I have, negotiations for a settlement of the strike were proceeding actively at the end of last month.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of cases of contempt of court which have resulted in convictions in the Province of Punjab since the establishment of the present High Court of Judicature in 1919 and up to May, 1934, and since the present chief justice was appointed in May, 1934, respectively: and whether he will give the particulars of the dates of the cases and convictions since May, 1934?

I regret that I have not the information asked for but will see whether I can obtain it

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a resolution was adopted at the Fiftieth Session of the Indian National Congress at Faizpur, on 27th arid 28th December, declaring that Indian congressmen cannot participate in any celebrations in India in connection with the Coronation and calling on the Indian nation to abstain from participation in all such functions; and whether he will advise His Majesty to abandon his projected visit to India and the holding in that country of a Coronation Durbar on the ground that this visit would be contrary to the wishes of the Indian people?

My Noble Friend has seen the text of this resolution; he is sure, as would be anyone who knows India and who takes account of the remarkable demonstrations of loyalty to the Imperial Crown which have occurred there in the last two years, that His Majesty would receive an enthusiastic welcome from the vast majority of the Indian people. That being so, he is not prepared to tender advice based upon a contrary and unsound supposition.

Arising out of the question, regardless of whether there would be a welcome or not, is not the Minister aware that the extraordinary expenditure on such an event would be an insult to the terrible poverty that affects the masses of the Indian people?

Is not the inauguration of a king not nearly as expensive as the election of presidents and the crowning of commissars?

Will my hon. Friend state whether there is such a thing as an Indian nation?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on 13th November last calling upon the Government of India to terminate the Ottawa Agreement; and, in view of the repeated pledges of fiscal autonomy for India made both in Delhi and in the House of Commons since the passing of the Government of India Act, 1919, will he state the grounds upon which the Government of India, in disregard of the decision of the Assembly, has since decided to continue the agreement indefinitely?

I am sending to the hon. Member a copy of the resolution adopted by the Legislative Assembly on 30th March, 1936, to which he refers. He will see that the second part included a recommendation that the Government of India should investigate the possibility of entering into a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom. As preliminary steps towards the negotiation of such an agreement had been taken prior to 13th November last, on which date the Ottawa Agreement was due to terminate, it was agreed that pending the conclusion of the new Agreement, the 1932 Agreement should continue in force, subject to termination at three months' notice by either side.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider incorporating, in any suggestions put forward for the reform of the League of Nations, a proposal that it should be made an essential condition of membership that a member State shall not directly or indirectly subsidise or organise propaganda in another country directed to the overthrow of the Government of that country?

The attitude of His Majesty's Government towards propaganda of this type is well known. But I do not consider that the Covenant of the League of Nations would be the appropriate place for a stipulation of the character suggested by my hon. Friend, or that the submission of such a proposal to the Committee on the Application of the Principles of the Covenant would lead to any useful result.

Does my Noble Friend realise that genuine co-operation between Governments within the League must remain impossible as long as any Governments are fomenting and organising revolution in the territories of other Governments?

I would suggest to my hon. Friend that the reform of the Covenant in any case will be a most complicated matter, and it is not necessary unduly to complicate it further. This is a very important matter but I think it could more properly be treated in a separate instrument.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Canada, Italy, and the International Labour Office have now agreed to send representatives or experts to the League committee on raw materials; and whether, in the absence of such agreement, steps are being taken to secure it?

Final arrangements for summoning a committee of inquiry into the question of raw materials are now in the hands of the Secretariat of the League of Nations, who are working on the basis of the report of the Polish representative, approved by the Council on 26th January. As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke) on Wednesday last, copies of this report are available in the Library. I have as yet no official information as to whether experts, other than those mentioned in the annex to the report, are likely to serve on the committee, but as hon. Members are already aware, representation of the International Labour Office has been approved in principle by the Council.

Does not the Minister think that, having regard to the great importance of this question, nationally and internationally, there ought to be special activity on the part of the Govment to secure the fullest possible representation?

I think all that is necessary is being done. If the hon. Member will look at the report of the Polish representative to the Council, which is in the Library, he will see that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the necessity for appointing a new High Commissioner for Danzig as soon as possible; and whether steps are being taken to expedite such appointment?

The answer to both parts of the question is Yes, Sir.

Is the retiring High Commissioner acting until the appointment of the new High Commissioner?

I think that is so.

Will the High Commissioner have his status restored to him and not have his massages tapped and all his letters to the League of Nations appropriated by the Nazi party in Danzig—not have his whole position in the country made impossible?

Will the Noble Lord assure the House that this officer shall get some reward for his gallant efforts to preserve the position in Danzig?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was able during his recent visit to Geneva to consult with the representatives of foreign Powers as to whether they would be prepared to enter into a solemn covenant that in no circumstances would they permit of cities or towns in time of war being bombed or sprayed with poison gases, and would further agree that in the event of any breach of this covenant all the signatory Powers would jointly undertake to punish the offending nation; and whether steps will be taken by the British Government to secure agreement among the European Powers on the lines suggested?

This matter did not come under discussion during my right hon. Friend's visit to Geneva for the recent meeting of the League Council. I would remind my hon. Friend that, so far as gas warfare is concerned, all the principal nations are already signatories to the Protocol for the prohibition of the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and of bacteriological warfare, which was signed at Geneva on 17th June, 1925. So far as the bombing of towns is concerned, a provision for the complete abolition of bombing from the air was contained in the draft Disarmament Convention submitted to the Disarmament Conference in March, 1933. The further progress of the Conference, and with it further consideration of the proposal for the abolition of bombing from the air has, as my hon. Friend is aware, been prevented by unfavourable developments in the international political situation. His Majesty's Government would welcome any development which would render practicable a resumption of the consideration of the proposals in the draft Convention, and will continue to do their utmost to bring about an improvement in the international situation which would make this possible.

Does not my Noble Friend think that, at any rate, it would be desirable that an agreement should be arrived at for the prohibition of the discharge of poison gas on towns and cities, and that the nations should agree to outlaw any other Power which adopts this filthy, abominable and barbarous practice? Does he not think that the present members of the League, and also Powers which have left the League, would be prepared to sign such an agreement?

I have said that all the principal nations are already signatories of the Protocol.

Do not the Government now regret having preserved bombing at all?

I do not wish to enter into a debate with the hon. Member, but His Majesty's Government were not responsible for that.

Does the Noble Lord attach the least significance to the 1925 Protocol against bombing? If so, why are the Government preparing gas masks?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from His Majesty's Ambassador in China as to the intention of the Chinese Government at an early date to amend the law relating to insurance so as to require that all policies of insurance shall be in the Chinese language; and whether he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador to draw the attention of the Chinese Government to the hindrance to business which is inevitable if this provision is insisted upon?

I have received no information on this point, and my hon. Friend will recall that previous reports to this effect have proved to be incorrect. I am, however, calling for a further report upon the subject from His Majesty's Ambassador.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from His Majesty's Ambassador in China as to the provisions of the intended law relating to insurance in China; and, if not, whether he will ask for one at once?

Yes, Sir. The Chinese insurance law was originally promulgated in July, 1935, and in August of that year His Majesty's Ambassador formally drew the attention of the Chinese Government to certain provisions to which His Majesty's Government could not but take exception so far as their application to British companies was concerned. It was subsequently learnt that the law was under revision and in February last year the Chinese Government were reminded of His Majesty's Ambassador's previous representations on the subject. I am not aware of any later developments, but I am asking His Majesty's Ambassador for a further report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has drawn the attention of the Japanese Government to the statement made by Sir Frederick Maze, Inspector-General of Chinese Maritime Customs, that the accumulated stocks of smuggled goods at Tientsin are gradually finding their way into the interior, mostly in motor lorries escorted by armed Japanese and Korean roughs; and whether he will invite the assistance of the Japanese Government in putting an end to a state of affairs which is calculated seriously to impair the Chinese Customs revenue as the principal security for foreign loans?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the recent declaration of the Inspector-General of Chinese Maritime Customs that, so long as Customs officers are debarred from exercising normal control in various districts of North China, preventive measures must be largely ineffective; and whether he can state the amount lost to the Chinese Customs revenue in 1936, through smuggling in North China, which would otherwise have been available as security on foreign debts?

I have seen a Press report of the statement attributed to Sir Frederick Maze on this subject. I am not, however, in a position to give an authoritative estimate of the actual loss resulting to the Customs revenue from this smuggling. His Majesty's Ambassador has, on various occasions, made representations to the Japanese Government on the whole question of smuggling in North China, and has repeated them very recently, as the illicit traffic was reported to have increased again of late, after a falling off. The Japanese Government are therefore fully aware of the interest which the matter has for His Majesty's Government. I trust that an improvement in the situation may show itself before long, but His Majesty's Government will continue to keep a close watch on the matter.

Has the Noble Lord received any reports indicating that Japanese officers actively participate in smuggling?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the copy sent to him of the letter issued by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with regard to a new £3,500,000 steel plant to be erected at Scunthorpe, in Lincolnshire; and, in view of this district being a prosperous one, will he endeavour to arrange for these works to be set up in the Special Areas where they are most needed?

I am not clear what letter my hon. Friend has in mind, and would refer him to the replies which I gave on 3rd February to the hon. Members for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay) and for the Clayton Division (Mr. Jagger).

Does not this scramble among Members for the setting up of new industries in their areas justify the Government in dealing with the location of industry on scientific lines?

For the moment we are discussing an ore bed, which is a little difficult to move to any other constituency.

Does not the question relate to the establishment of new steel works?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Newcastle-upon-Tyne is still part of the British Empire and is on the North-East coast of Britain?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of scrap iron and scrap steel exported to foreign countries for the years 1935 and 1936 to the nearest available date; the price per ton for which it was sold; to what countries it was exported; whether the Government will consider placing an embargo upon the export of scrap iron and scrap steel; and how many tons of pig-iron were exported to foreign countries for the years 1935 to 1936 to the nearest available date?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the figures for which he asks. These figures show that the total exports of scrap iron and steel to foreign countries were less in 1936 than in 1935. Further, our imports of this material in 1936 exceeded 1,000,000 tons. In these circumstances legislation prohibiting the export of scrap iron and steel does not seem to be called for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of pig iron were exported to America and Canada for the year ended 1936; and how many tons were exported to Germany for the years ended 1935 and 1936?

During the year 1936 the United Kingdom exports of pig iron consigned to the United States were 4,000 tons and to Canada 2,700 tons. Exports to Germany amounted to 6,600 tons in 1935 and 10,400 tons in 1936.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that last week he led the House to understand that there was a shortage of pig iron? If that is so, why is he allowing pig iron to be exported to the detriment of the people of this country?

It is usually desirable in trade that there should be a two-way traffic.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many invitation cards have this year been issued to prospective buyers from overseas to attend the British Industries Fair of 1937; how many acceptances have been received; and how this number compares with the last British Industries Fair held in this country?

Over 103,000 cards have been issued to buyers overseas in connection with the British Industries Fair, 1937. The recipients are, however, not asked to reply, and in these circumstances I regret that no comparison with last year can be made on the lines indicated in the question.

Have there not been any acceptances?

Some people write and say that they are coming, but, as they are not asked to reply, no valid comparison is possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the money value of the total calcium carbide retained imports into this country during 1935 and 1936, respectively; the countries from which obtained; and the approximate number of workers required to produce such supplies, especially as regards coal-miners, limestone quarrymen, and general factory employés, respectively?

Retained imports of calcium carbide were valued at £603,000 in 1935 and at £607,000 in 1936. About half of the total imports of calcium carbide into the United Kingdom come from Norway and the remainder is consigned principally from Yugoslavia, Germany and Sweden. As regards the last part of the question, I regret I am unable to give a reliable estimate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the wide difference in the haulage costs of milk; and whether any action is being taken to organise haulage and reduce the cost per gallon carried?

According to figures supplied by the boards to the Committee of Investigation, the transport charges borne by individual producers vary from about 3d. per gallon to less than 1d. per gallon. The costs of transporting milk paid by individual producers vary considerably owing to the different distances travelled by milk before it reaches its market. The question of organising the assembly and transport of milk supplies with a view to reducing the distances travelled and consequently the cost of transport, was examined by the Reorganisation Commission for Milk for Great Britain, whose report was published recently. The commission's recommendations are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the success of the Swedish milk marketing arrangements whereby the economic position of the farmers has been improved, while at the same time the retail price of milk is only about 1⅓d. per pint, and the quantity consumed per head nearly double that in this country; and whether he will consider adopting the whole or some parts of the Swedish scheme?

I am aware of the system of organisation of milk marketing in Sweden. In that country, which is an exporter of dairy produce, approximately twice as much milk is sold for manufacture as for liquid consumption, and in consequence the producers' price is based on butter prices. This price is assisted by the maintenance of internal butter prices at a figure substantially above export prices, and also by means of a subsidy. Very different conditions exist in Great Britain, where two-thirds of the milk is sold for liquid consumption and one-third manufactured. About 90 percent. of the butter consumed in Great Britain in 1936 was imported, and consumers obtained the benefit of low import prices. The Swedish system could, therefore, only be adopted here at considerable cost to butter consumers.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the fact that, owing to the system of co-operative dairying and the system of co-operative marketing, there is a very great saving in costs in Sweden; and, in view of the difference in price, will he not look further into this matter?

I am aware of the influence of the co-operative system in Sweden, but the real factor is the cost of butter in this country, and I am advised that, if the Swedish system had been in existence in this country in 1936, it would have cost our consumers of butter an additional £11,000,000.

Can the Minister say what subsidy is given to agriculturists for butter by the Swedish Government, and whether or not that subsidy is larger than the import duty on butter coming into this country from foreign countries?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of farmers summoned by the Milk Marketing Board during the past three years for non-payment of levies under the milk marketing scheme?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of milk producers connected with the Milk Marketing Board, and the number who have been summoned for non-payment of levies?

The number of producers registered under the Milk Marketing Scheme is approximately 149,000. I am informed by the board that proceedings for the recovery of unpaid contributions have been taken in approximately 7,700 cases since the inception of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average price per hundredweight and/or pound of New Zealand, Danish, English farm, and English creamery butter during 1935 and 1936, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there were imported from China, in 1936, 1,350,000 great hundreds of eggs in shell and 860,000 cwts. of liquid egg; and whether he is satisfied that these eggs and egg substances are sold in conformity with the regulations compelling the notification of the country of origin?

I am aware that the figures for eggs in shell and liquid eggs imported from China in 1936 were as stated in the question. I have no information which would suggest that the marking requirements are not generally being complied with on the sale of these products.

Are there any shops that expose for sale these delectable dainties from China?

I am not aware that they are delectable dainties.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether constant supervision is exercised by his Department over the import of these eggs, in order to see that they are fit for human food?

Yes, Sir; constant supervision is exercised in that matter.