asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Assistance Board's regulations provide for the provision of clogs and articles of clothing for the men to be re-engaged in the Whitehaven coal mines; and, if so, what will be the practice to be followed by the men concerned?

The Board inform me that there is power under Regulation 4 (3) to adjust an allowance so as to meet needs of an exceptional character. When application is made, therefore, to the Board's local officer, he is bound to consider, in accordance with the Board's general policy, any request for assistance in purchasing clothing of which the applicant may be in need and for which his resources, including the normal allowance, have not been adequate. I understand that in the Whitehaven area a special local fund is available for making provision of the kind to which the hon. Member refers.

Would the word "clothing" include clogs, or would it exclude clogs; and will it be necessary for the people concerned to make individual applications for the supply of clothing?

I will make inquiries and let the hon. Member know.

Will people who may be supplied with clothing in this way be required to pay back for it out of their wages?

asked the Minister of Labour the present cost in salaries, accommodation, and expenses, and all other costs in administering unemployment assistance payments, as compared with similar costs when transitional payments were administered by county and county borough councils?

The total cost of the administration of unemployment assistance in the current financial year will, it is estimated, be approximately £4,400,000, of which about £1,800,000 will be incurred by the Unemployment Assistance Board, including the cost of ancillary services rendered to the Board by Government Departments and accruing liability in respect of superannuation allowances, the greater part of the balance being in respect of services rendered by the Ministry of Labour. The total cost to the Exchequer of the administration of transitional payments in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1934, prior to the first appointed day, was about £3,500,000; this included about £780,000 paid to public assistance authorities in respect of such part of the cost of administration by them as was chargeable to the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the proposed grants for field drainage in the Special Areas will also apply to land in the neighbourhood of Special Areas where the work of drainage will afford employment or occupation for substantial numbers of persons from the areas?

The powers contained in Sub-section (2) of Clause 4 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Bill are confined to agricultural land in any Special Area.

Will the Clause in the original Act which provides that grants may be given in cases in which the work is done outside the area for the benefit of the area apply also to land drainage?

If the hon. Member looks up Section 1 (6) of the Act he will see that it excludes only cases in which business is carried on for purposes of gain.

As regards the drainage of land, would the ownership of the land be considered to be a business carried on for the purpose of gain?

I should not like to give an impromptu reply to that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the report by the Manchester Royal Infirmary Medical Board on the building which the Ministry of Labour intends to erect adjoining the central branch of the Man- chester Royal Infirmary: and what action does he propose to take?

Yes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Members for the Exchange Division (Mr. Eckersley) and Eccles (Mr. Cary) on this subject on 8th March.

Has the Minister considered the very serious report prepared by the medical board, and, if he has, will he give his personal attention to this matter in order that satisfactory arrangements can be made between the two parties?

I am giving my personal attention to this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a case has occurred where boys sent by a voluntary committee from the North to a factory near London were suffering from sores and were in a very bad condition of health; and what steps are taken by the Ministry to supervise the conditions under which such transferences are made by voluntary committees?

I could not attempt to identify this case without further particulars, which perhaps my right hon. and gallant Friend will send to me. As regards the second part of the question, I have no power of supervision of the activities of voluntary committees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that he has met representatives of the Trade Union Congress on this matter, he can inform the House as to whether the Government are prepared to make an appeal to all employers who have not already notified such intention to pay wages for the Coronation Bank Holiday in order to avoid the real hardship involved in men and women timeworkers and pieceworkers being subjected to a serious loss of wages?

Representations on this subject have been made to me by the Trades Union Council, and, in the course of my discussions with them, I called attention to statements previously made on behalf of the Government, and, in particular, the reply given by the Prime Minister to a question put by the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 5th November last. I feel assured that employers will as far as possible make every endeavour to avoid loss of pay by their employés on this occasion, and, further, that representations made to employers by workpeople's organisations on the subject will secure sympathetic consideration to the fullest extent that circumstances permit.

Where representations are made and attempts are made at negotiations on this matter by workpeople's representatives, will the Department use their good offices to bring those negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion?

Of course, I shall be glad to do all that I possibly can in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether local authorities will be permitted to make grants to old age pensioners on the occasion of the Coronation, or whether these will be restricted to those in receipt of public assistance?

The sanction I have given to local authorities—I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the relevant Circular—enables them to grant to persons whether old age pensioners or not who are in receipt of out-relief such reasonable additions to the relief as they may think fit. This sanction does not apply to persons who are not in receipt of relief.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to take any action with a view to the amendment of the Fair Wages Clause in Government contracts?

It has been decided to appoint a committee to consider the working of the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons of 10th March, 1909, as embodied in Government contracts, and to advise whether any changes are desirable and practicable. The committee will include departmental representatives and representatives of employers and workpeople selected in consultation with the National Confederation of Employers' Organisations and the Trades Union Congress General Council, together with an independent chairman.

Will the inquiry cover contracts entered into by county councils, or only those of the central Government?

These are contracts which are governed by the Fair Wages Resolution, on which action is now taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the increased drinking and drunkenness in some towns concerned in the new measures for national defence, and in particular in Warwickshire, where a chief contable has drawn attention to the considerable increase of drunkenness and disorderliness since the drinking hours were lengthened, he will call for an inquiry into the influence of the various kinds of extended drinking facilities upon public order and industrial efficiency, especially in the armament manufacturing areas?

I have been asked to answer this question and following questions on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The grant of extended drinking hours lies, generally speaking, in the discretion of the local justices, who can be trusted to take due account of all relevant circumstances in their locality. My right hon. Friend does not think that there is any ground for the institution of such an inquiry as is suggested by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to make full inquiries into the report of the Chief Constable of Coventry, and also to make himself conversant with the large number of first offender convictions for drunkenness in Birmingham?

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend give the relative average figures per 10,000 of the population for the city of Coventry, and for Manchester and Liverpool, both cities in the hon. Member's own county?

I have provided myself with that information. According to the Licensing Statistics for 1935, the proportion of convictions for drunkenness per 10,000 of the population was, in the case of Coventry 12.12, in the case of Manchester 24.61, and in the case of Liverpool 29.95. The corresponding figures for 1936 are not yet available.

Is it not the fact that Warwickshire is really a very sober county?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the dangerous nature of the conveyance by road of vitriol and other similar explosive substances, he will consider strengthening the regulations for transporting the same?

Yes, Sir. Draft Regulations under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, to control the conveyance by road of a number of dangerous substances, including sulphuric acid, have been prepared in consultation with the various interests affected, and my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to issue them before long.

Will it be made on the same lines as the conveyance of these substances by rail?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

Is any provision being made for vehicles conveying such things to carry sand or something of the kind in case of leakages taking place?

The hon. Member had better await the Regulations.

asked the Home Secretary how many girls coming from the depressed areas to domestic service have been brought before the London juvenile courts during the past year?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the practice of his department in granting facilities or giving any necessary permits, for foreign manufacturers to come to this country to make it, in any circumstances, a condition that the factory shall be located in a particular part of the country?

Where a foreign visitor applies for permission to remain in the country for the purpose of engaging in manufacture, the location of his business is one of a great variety of factors which is taken into consideration. In suitable cases the applicant or his representative is personally seen and the question of location is dealt with in accordance with the intention of the Resolutions passed last year by the House on 12th March and 18th November.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet approved a scheme for the provision of an infectious diseases hospital for the urban and rural districts of Retford and Worksop?

The scheme of the Nottinghamshire County Council for the provision of adequate hospital accommodation for the treatment of infectious diseases in that county was approved by me on 10th October, 1935. I have since received from the local authorities concerned applications for Provisional Orders for the establishment of joint hospital boards for that part of the county in which the districts to which the hon. Member refers are situated. These applications are under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any possibility of the scheme being proceeded with at an early date?

I will give it all expedition.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when issuing regulations in connection with the Midwives Act, he instructed the medical officers of health when making appointments to confine such appointments to those who possess a certificate in midwifery and also the certificate of a State registered nurse?

The Midwives Act, 1936, does not empower me to issue regulations with regard to the qualifications of midwives to be appointed under the Act. In the circular which I addressed to local supervising authorities on 18th September last I drew attention to the importance of absorbing into the new service as many as possible of the independent midwives, at present in practice, and the circular made no suggestion that appointments should be confined to midwives who are State registered nurses. I should deprecate any such limitation in the case of the appointments first made by local supervising authorities under the Act.

May I bring to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman instances which have occurred, and may I speak to him about the matter?

I shall be glad to receive and to consider them.

asked the Minister of Health with regard to the representations made to the Ministry of Health by a scientific deputation, by the Royal Statistical Society, and by the Association of Medical Officers of Health in favour of a quinquennial census, how far these representations have received favourable consideration; and whether, in view of the rapidity with which changes in the location, occupation, etc., of the population are taking place and the necessity for accurate information, he will consider the desirability of taking the census quinquennially?

I have received no representations on this subject recently, and, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a census is due to be taken in 1941. After that date the question of a quinquennial series will be reviewed in the light of all relevant considerations including those mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the case of the relieving officer of the Belford and Glendale districts which was recently submitted to him; and whether he proposes to take any action to deal with it?

So far as the amalgamation of the relief districts is concerned I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 4th March. I understand that the county council are proposing to review this case after 12 months.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to say whether the Rent Restrictions Act will be continued after 1938?

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have yet come to a decision as to the future of the Rent Restrictions Act after 1938?

The Government have decided to appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into and report on the future of the Rent Restrictions Acts.

Have the Government also decided to find pigeon-holes for the previous reports?

Will the Committee have power to make recommendations for London different from those for other parts of the country?

I am considering the terms of reference, and I should certainly think that it will be open to them to do that; and, I may add, that previous reports of this kind have been most helpful.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the remarks by Mr. Justice Bennett expressing doubt as to the right of Income Tax authorities to accept less than the full amount of tax due; and does he propose to issue any fresh instructions to the Income Tax authorities?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the remarks in question and to the fact that the learned Judge expressly stated that he gave no decision on the matter. In the circumstances, and in view of the advice he has received, my right hon. Friend does not consider that any action on his part is at present called for.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the gross amount of losses to public funds caused by defalcations by collectors of Income Tax or part-time employés during the previous 10 years; and the amounts eventually recovered from these defaulters?

The gross amount of defalcations by collectors of taxes since 1926 was £58,655, of which £38,424 was recovered from the defaulters or the guarantee societies. The defalcations occurred in 197 cases, and without an examination of all these cases it is impossible to state how many of the defaulters were part-time employés. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, collectors of taxes (outside the City of London) are now full-time civil servants.

Have these part-time employés to take out a guarantee bond?

I think it has been the practice for part-time employés to insure with guarantee societies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the comprehensive taxes on medicine proposed by the Select Committee on Medicine Stamp Duties would affect the poorer classes of the community while hardly touching the rich, and that the smaller chemists are objecting; and whether he will give due weight to these considerations before he reaches a decision as to the adoption of the recommended duties?

I would assure my hon. Friend that due weight will be given to all relevant considerations before my right hon. Friend reaches a decision on the committee's report.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend be prepared to receive representations from the Pharmaceutical Society on this matter?

I think that representations have already been received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the case of a catchment board submitting a major scheme of works to him for his approval under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, with a view to obtaining a grant under that Section, he will, before approving or disapproving the plans, sections, and other necessary particulars put forward by that board, be prepared to call for further advice from consulting engineers skilled in land drainage problems if the advice tendered to him by his technical staff differs materially from that tendered to the catchment board concerned by its engineers?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend could not agree to give such an undertaking as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, which would be contrary to the recognised procedure under which Government grants are made to local authorities.

Will the hon. Member take into consideration that the Ministry of Transport in almost analogous cases does adopt this procedure and will he not further consider that as they have only had a certain amount of experience of the working of the Act, the procedure which I suggest should be adopted?

The final responsibility must rest with the Ministry of Agriculture, which is guided by its own experts. What my hon. Friend suggests is, in fact, to set up certain persons to arbitrate between the Minister of Agriculture and the local authorities if there is any disagreement.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons were killed and how many injured in Great Britain during 1936 by motor vehicles mounting footpaths or refuges; and what steps he proposes to take to make footwalks safer for pedestrians?

Particulars of the numbers of persons killed and injured in Great Britain during the year 1936 by motor vehicles mounting footpaths or refuges are not available, but an analysis of 100,000 road accidents involving personal injury which occurred in the months April to September, 1936, shows that there were 35 fatal and 1,281 non-fatal accidents due to collisions between vehicles and pedestrians on footpaths, verges or refuges. Such accidents can be avoided only by the exercise of proper care.

Have the Ministry any evidence in regard to accidents that take place at those refuges where the pedestrian crossing is obliquely drawn and the driver of a car imagining that the pedestrian is going in a certain direction has rapidly to change his course?

I should like to have notice of that rather different question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether steps will be taken to deal with the overcrowding on the trains of the underground railway, particularly the line to Hendon and Edgware; and, in view of the London Passenger Transport Board Bill, will action be taken to prevent this dangerous overcrowding becoming worse?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that various new works are in progress, and one of the objects of these is the relief of the Edgware line. The doubling of the single track and the electrification of the London and North Eastern branch line between Finchley and Edgware, and the running of tube trains over this line via Highgate (upon which traffic to-day is lighter) will provide a parallel route to the Board's existing railway. In addition, the Morden-Edgware line will be equipped with more spacious rolling stock, and when these steps have been carried out, it is anticipated that present conditions will be eased.

Will the Minister use his good offices in order to have something done immediately as there is every likelihood of accidents of a serious nature? If he would take a journey during the rush hours he might find a place on a train, but I doubt it.

Is the Minister aware that this problem of overcrowding affects a larger area than that mentioned in the question? It forms a subject of complaint so far away as Oxted in Surrey.

We do our best in conjunction with the railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board to meet this difficulty. It is a problem of difficulty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent increase in the price of sugar agreed to by leading Manchester grocers which, to some extent, is due to speculation on the prospects of limitation of sugar production in connection with the forthcoming International Sugar Conference; and whether, in view of the fact that our present imports of foreign sugar amount to approximately 600,000 tons per annum, he proposes to take any steps in connection with this conference to protect the interests of British consumers?

I am aware of the reported increase of ¼d. per pound in the retail price of sugar in Manchester which the hon. Member mentions. As to the rest of the question, I would refer him to the answer given on 23rd March to the hon. Members for Bradford, South (Mr. Holdsworth) and Stourbridge (Mr. Morgan).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the case of Victor Frederick Cochrane Hervey, who is stated to have formed the Hervey Finance Corporation, Limited, for the purpose of dealing with armaments, and who during the last four months has been acting as agent for General Franco; and why, if nonintervention is in operation, the official receiver undertook to delay the bankrupty adjudication so as to enable Mr. Hervey to carry through his arms deal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the bankruptcy proceedings of an agent for the purchase of arms and munitions for the rebel leader Franco, when the official received adjourned his application for adjudication for three weeks to enable the bankrupt to put through an arms deal; and whether he has any statement to make?

My attention has been drawn to this case. On the facts before the official receiver adjudication could not have been applied for by him without a resolution of the creditors to that effect. His consent to a short delay at the urgent request of the creditors enabled him to obtain such a resolution which might otherwise have been postponed for a longer period. The practical effect of the official receiver's action is thus to expedite and not to delay the bankruptcy proceedings. The statements in regard to alleged transactions in arms were contained in a written and unsupported document furnished by the debtor who was not present at the creditors' meeting, and I have already arranged for them to be communicated to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for his consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to register the agreement regarding non-intervention in Spain under Article 18 of the League of Nations as an international engagement?

There is no single document which can be described as "The agreement regarding non-intervention in Spain" as the hon. Member's question implies. The non-intervention procedure has resulted in a number of arrangements which have been arrived at in a number of different forms, sometimes as the result of communications by diplomatic note, at other times as the result of resolutions taken by the representatives of Governments on the Non-Intervention Committee. The question of registration is, therefore, a complicated one which will be duly considered by His Majesty's Government.

In view of the fact that no international engagement is binding until it is so registered, will the Noble Lord give immediate attention to that?

I have already said that this matter is being duly considered.

Is the Noble Lord aware that in the meantime it is not binding?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reason for the delay in bringing into effect the ban on the passage of foreign armed nationals to Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee) on 8th March, from which he will have seen that the prohibition has been in force since midnight 20th-21st February.

Is the Noble Lord still without information as to the landing of foreign nationals on 28th February, and 5th and 8th March?

All our information goes to show that the ban is in force and is being observed.

In that case, could the Noble Lord explain why his information still seems to be different from the information of the Foreign Office in France?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the capture by Spanish Government forces of gas masks abandoned by the Italian troops, His Majesty's Government will take active steps now to secure that there shall be impartial observers placed in Spain forthwith at suitable points in order that authoritative information as to the origin of gas may be given to the world promptly if this form of warfare should break out?

His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that either side in the civil war intend to resort to the use of poisonous gases for military purposes.

Would it not be a good thing to have somebody there on the spot in case they do?

If the Noble Lord will not send suitable observers out there, how will he be able to get this information which he is always assuring us he never has?

I have said that we have no reason to suppose that poison gas is going to be used by either side.

If it is used, will the Noble Lord again say that he has no information?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the refusal of the Passport Office to afford passport facilities to Claude Cockburn, special correspondent of the "Daily Worker," to proceed to Spain, and whether he will make a statement?

Yes, Sir. This gentleman previously served in the Spanish civil war as a volunteer in the Spanish Government forces. His request for the necessary special endorsement of his passport was refused in view of his past military activities in Spain. I hope that it is unnecessary for me to assure the House that this was the sole ground on which the refusal was based, and that no question whatever arose of discrimination on political grounds or as between journalists or newspapers.

Is the Noble Lord aware that Mr. Cockburn served with the Spanish forces prior to the declaration made by the Foreign Secretary as to the legal position of nationals of this country, and in view of this unusual interference with the right of a newspaper to appoint its own special correspondent, may I ask whether inquiries were made of the newspaper concerned as to the validity of the reporter's credentials?

Is the Noble Lord also aware that Mr. Cockburn has stated that he has not any intention of engaging in combatant activities, and is willing to give a definite assurance to that effect? Does that not affect the decision?

No, Sir. It seems to me that in these cases we must draw the line somewhere. Here is a man who has actually been fighting in the civil war. It is true that it may have been before the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the ban, but it is true also that that was the existing law. Here was a man who had taken part in hostilities, and I think it was a perfectly legitimate action for the Government to take.

Is it not a matter of common knowledge that no one knew it was against the law, and that it took the Law Officers themselves a considerable time to find it out; and since this man is prepared to give a pledge that he will not serve again, surely it is straining the limits of restrictions upon the Press to refuse him that permission?

No, Sir. Here is a man who has taken part in the hostilities, and it cannot be said that he is the only man available to the Press for this purpose.

What is the objection to his being a newspaper correspondent because he has served in the civil war?

I have made the objection quite clear. Here is a man who has fought in the civil war, and there are many other people who have not taken part in the war who could go to Spain as newspaper representatives.

The Noble Lord has not answered the point. Why is this man necessarily disqualified from being a reporter because he has served in the civil war?

Is there not a precedent in the case of Dr. E. J. Dillon, who fought in the Greek war and later—

Order.

On a point of Order. Surely in a matter of this sort I am entitled to bring to the notice of the Under-Secretary of State the case of a distinguished war correspondent who previously fought in a war and later went as "Daily Telegraph" correspondent to the same country? Is not that a matter of precedent?

The hon. Lady will realise that we cannot go into all these incidents of the past.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction of the native fishermen at the intention of the Palestine Government to lease the sole fishing rights in the Sea of Galilee to tender; and whether, in the circumstances, he will ask the High Commissioner to postpone further action pending an inquiry?

The report on the Fisheries of Palestine, furnished to the Palestine Government by a fisheries expert, contains recommendations for the leasing of the fishing rights of the Sea of Galilee to one responsible person for a term of years, with provisions to safeguard the employment, at adequate remuneration, of whole-time professional fishermen. I have no recent information on the subject, but I assume that the Palestine Government have been actively considering this recommendation. I will ask the High Commissioner for a report on the present position.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many persons were employed in the Scottish coal industry at the latest date for which returns are available; and can he also inform the House what committee controls the production and supply of coal in Scotland?

At 13th March, 1937, there were 89,000 wage-earners on the colliery books in Scotland. The production and supply of coal in Scotland is controlled by the Scottish Executive Board appointed under the provisions of the Scottish District (Coal Mines) Scheme.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the coal-owners have failed to give Glasgow Corporation adequate deliveries of coal between 31st December, 1936, and 20th March, and that as a result the stocks are so depleted that two of the gasworks will be closed within two weeks, thereby depriving households of gas for cooking and lighting; and what action does the Government propose to take to insure that municipal undertakings will obtain coal in accordance with contracts so that public services can be continued?

I have made inquiries and I am informed that yesterday the colliery owners assured the manager of the corporation gas department that every effort would be made to increase deliveries of coal. It has been pointed out to me, however, that as it was only recently that the corporation ceased to take supplies of surplus coke oven gas, and that as the corporation gas works are still connected with the coke ovens, there should be no question of households being deprived of gas for cooking and lighting.

Is it not a fact that the control mentioned in answer to the first question relates to Government supplies? Is it or is it not part of the work of the committee to see that coal is plentiful for domestic services in Glasgow?

Can the Minister give any reason for the failure to obtain coal supplies by tender for such a large sum as this?

There is nothing about tendering in the question.

My hon. Friend means the size of the order. Has the committee power to see that domestic supplies, apart from Government supplies, are made available?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a shortage of coal in the Droitwich area, and that householders in many cases have not been able to obtain supplies; whether he can state the cause of this shortage; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this grievance?

In the time available it has not been possible to complete inquiries into this matter which had not previously been brought to my notice. I will communicate the results of my inquiries to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Has the Minister any reason to believe that there are areas which are not adapting themselves to the changing circumstances? In some parts of the country there have been re-arrangements of the quotas. Is the Minister giving his attention to this matter?

I give my attention to all the matters that come under my notice. Unfortunately, this question was put on the Order Paper only the night before last, and we could not get the information in time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House information as to the condition of health and place of detention of Mr. Saroj Mukherji, whether he is aware that this gentleman was released from gaol on 17th July last on completion of a sentence of 18 months' rigorous imprisonment on a charge of sedition and was immediately re-arrested at the gate of the gaol under the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1930, and placed under detention; whether there is any evidence to show that Mr. Mukherji is or has been in any way associated with the terrorist movement; and, if not, whether Mr. Mukherji may be liberated?

The facts of this case are as stated. Mr. Saroj Mukherji is now in village internment in the Noakhali District. His case has been review by two judges who have advised that there is evidence of his association with terrorism which justified his detention. His health is reported to be not good and the possibility of transferring him elsewhere is under consideration. The local Government are not, however, prepared at present to release him.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what will be the total cost of warships, inclusive of guns, torpedoes, and ammunition, which it has been decided to commence this financial year; and can he give an estimate of the total cost of any necessary replacements to the present tonnage?

I presume that the hon. Member has in mind the 1937 new construction programme. The total estimated cost of the vessels of this programme, including the items mentioned in the question, is about £62,000,000. As regards the second part of the question, I am unable to discover precisely what information the hon. Member desires.

Will the hon. Gentleman give information as to what will be the cost of ammunition, torpedoes, and other materials?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Commissioners for executing the office of the Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland have acquired the freehold of Castle Hall Mansion, Milford and Steynton; parts of Venn and Coppyoush Farms; Newton Farm, Llanstadwell; and lands in the parishes of Steynton and Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire; what is the area of the land so acquired, and what price has been paid for it; and what has been the value at which these lands have been assessed for purposes of Income Tax, Schedule A?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The area of the lands so acquired is approximately 240 acres. The price paid, which included compensation for trade loss in connection with two factories which stood on the land, is stated in the Navy Appropriation Account for the year ending 31st March, 1936, just published and will be found on page 38. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 1st March to the hon. Member for the Springburn Division of Glasgow (Mr. Hardie).

While realising that the answer was given by the Prime Minister, could the hon. Gentleman state at what value these properties have been assessed?

I do not think I can add anything further. Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make upon the cause of the disaster to the Empire flying boat "Capricornus" upon her maiden voyage?

As the House is no doubt aware, Imperial Airways liner "Capricornus" on her maiden trip on the regular Australian service, met with a fatal accident in France yesterday afternoon. The details so far as they are known have already appeared in the Press, and I can give no further information to the House at this stage. The French authorities are conducting an inquiry in accordance with the usual international procedure, and a member of the staff of the Inspector of Accidents is being sent over to-day to assist them in every way possible. I am sure that the House would wish me to express our sympathy to those who are thus bereaved.

Is there over that route any full meteorological and radio service, and was this ship which, according to an estimate which I have from Messrs. Short Brothers, cost about £56,000, fitted with de-icers?

With regard to the first part of the question, my information is that this machine was in constant wireless communication. It was not fitted with de-icers.

May I ask why this machine was not fitted with de-icers when they have been the regulation in America for three years and are used on every other line in Europe; and how long do the Government intend to allow Imperial Airways—

Order.

When this investigation has been completed, will the report be presented to the Members of this House?

The reports in these cases are presented to the Secretary of State for Air.

That is not sufficient. What I wanted to know is why Members of this House should not be in possession of the report, as well as the Secretary of State for Air?

Is it the case that the Secretary of State has undertaken that the conclusions of the Inspector of Accidents shall be given publicity in all cases of public transport?

That is always the case.