asked the Secretary of -State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to press for an amendment of the Locarno Treaty by the original participating Powers so as to secure an all-round guarantee of assistance against invasion or aggressive attack?

The conclusion of a Treaty to replace the Treaty of Locarno is still the subject of confidential discussion between the Governments concerned, and I am not therefore in a position to make a statement on the matter at the present time.

Will my point with regard to mutual protection of one another's territory come under discussion?

I would rather not add to that statement at the present time, but I hope to be able to make a statement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of civilians exterminated on political and religious grounds in Malaga during the occupation of that town by the forces of the Madrid Government since the outbreak of civil war in Spain?

No, Sir.

Has the Noble Lord had no information from the British Consul there, either at the time or since, and is he not aware that British citizens and people of British origin in Malaga have estimated the number as between 8,000 and 10,000?

As I have already explained in the House on various occasions, it is not possible for the Acting Consul to give anything in the nature of an accurate account to the House, and we would not wish to give any figures which are not accurate.

If our Vice-Consuls are able to give any information will the Noble Lord ask them to extend it to some estimate of the number of civilian non-combatants who were exterminated by the rebels at and since their entry into the town?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the independent Basque Republic has declared its independence from the Government of Spain which existed at the outbreak of civil war; and whether the Basque Government is therefore in the same diplomatic position as the Government of General Franco as having severed its connection with the erstwhile Government of Spain?

No, Sir. By a decree dated 29th September, 1936, the Spanish Government constituted the Basque Provinces of Alava, Guipuzcoa, and Vizcaya an autonomous region within the Spanish State.

In order that misapprehension may be cleared away, supposing the position was reversed and General Franco lost command of the seas—

That begins to be hypothetical.

Would the same facilities be given to General Franco if he were in the same position?

His Majesty's Government have said that there is to be no interference with British shipping on the high seas, and that applies all round.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information in connection with the strength of the rival navies in Spain and whether he can say what dockyards are under the control of the rival forces?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer includes a number of names and figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made in securing an agreement for the withdrawal of the external personnel which at present sustains the loyalist and rebel factions in Spain?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 45th meeting of the Chairman's sub-committee of the Non-Intervention Committee on 15th April, in which it was announced that a technical sub-committee had been appointed to prepare a scheme for the withdrawal of non-Spanish combatants from Spain. I understand that this subcommittee held its first meeting at the Foreign Office this morning.

Is my Noble Friend aware that the German Press has recently presumed to describe the proper activities of the "Hood" as intervention?

Do the non-Spanish elements include Moors?

I should certainly require notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any further statement with regard 10 the present position of the cargoes of the steamship "Fernando L. de Ybarra" and steamship "Mar Baltico"; and whether the representations he has made to General Franco include a claim for loss arising from transhipment and delay?

The answer to the first part of the question is no, Sir. As regards the second part, the insurgent authorities have been informed that His Majesty's Government reserve the right, if necessary, to claim damages.

Are the Government taking steps to claim in respect of damages which have already been incurred?

That would come into the claim. Such a claim might properly include loss arising from transhipment.

Have His Majesty's Government any hope whatever that these claims are likely to be met?

Yes, His Majesty's Government have that hope.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in order to protect British merchant ships on the high seas, he will arrange for a warship or warships to be within call of such ships on the normal route from British ports to Bilbao?

I have nothing to add to the very full statements which were made on behalf of His Majesty's Government during the Debate on the Adjournment on 20th April.

Is the noble Lord aware that it is not yet clear that the Government are maintaining warships within call of the ordinary trade route to Bilbao, and does he not think that if the British Navy were given the proper instructions they would do the job all right?

What is perfectly clear is that my right hon. Friend promised that, as far as possible, protection should be given to British ships on the high seas, and it is clear from the events of recent days that adequate protection is being given.

Is the noble Lord aware that there is great satisfaction in the country that the National Government have at last withdrawn their effective blockade of Bilbao and that events have shown that there was no effective blockade by Franco's ships?

Will the noble Lord see that British ships do not interfere with Spanish ships in territorial waters?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause inquiry to be made why Captain G. H. L. F. Pitt-Rivers, late Royal Dragoons, was refused a special endorsement for permission to enter Spain via France on the grounds that he was not on a humanitarian mission, commercial business, or an accredited news reporter?

I am satisfied that there were not sufficient grounds in this case for making an exception to the regulations at present in force in regard to the issue of endorsements for Spain.

Is my Noble Friend aware that Captain Pitt-Rivers is the accredited representative of the "Universe" newspaper, and is he satisfied that no different grounds are required for permission to enter territory held by General Franco, and extending over two-thirds of Spain, than are required in territory under Government control?

My information is that Captain Pitt-Rivers is not the accredited representative of a newspaper. That was the information at the time, and it was carefully gone into, and that was the conclusion which was reached.

If I could furnish my Noble Friend with conclusive proof that the gentleman was accredited, would the decision be withdrawn?

The question would be reconsidered.

In any case, have not persons been admitted into Spain, in order to report upon events, in spite of the fact that they were not accredited news reporters?

Is it not a fact that some of these so-called humanitarian missions are merely cloaks for political propaganda?

There have been exceptions in some cases on humanitarian or commercial business or as accredited representatives of newspapers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the advice tendered to British vessels not to attempt to reach Bilbao is preventing shipowners from obtaining reasonable rates for war-risk insurance, thus holding up their Spanish trade; and will he review the present situation and take steps to end this deadlock?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that facilities for war-risk insurance in the case of vessels intended for Bilbao are limited, and that what business is being done is on a small scale. As regards the second part of the question, the position is, as the House has been informed, constantly under review by the Government.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the fact that three British ships, the steamship "Macgregor," the steamship "Hamsterly," the steamship "Stanbrook," arrived at Bilbao on Friday and two British ships, the steamship "Thurston" and the steamship "Stesso" arrived at Bilbao on Sunday, and whether His Majesty's Government are still of the opinion that the Spanish insurgent authorities have established an effective blockade of the port of Bilbao?

I am aware of the arrival in Bilbao of the five ships to which the hon. Member refers. The experience of these ships does not, however, indicate that there is any change in the situation since the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 10th April, in which he explained that the Government's present information did not enable them to advise entering Bilbao and that as regards other ports such as Santander and Gijon, there is a degree of risk which may vary from day to day.

Is it not clear that, provided that British ships are protected up to the territorial limits, there is no difficulty in their entering the port of Bilbao?

Would not many of the difficulties with which the Government are now confronted be resolved if belligerent rights were granted to both sides?

Is it still the opinion of the Government that the harbour of Bilbao is mined after the experience of these five vessels getting through?

Is it not a fact that a blockade is not dependent merely on the question of mines?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make a statement as a result of his inquiries as to the construction of fortifications by Germany at Benzou, Ceuta, and other strategic points on the coast of Morocco?

No, Sir.

Are the inquiries proceeding?

Yes, Sir, they are.

I will put down a question later.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in, a position to make a statement with reference to the expulsion of British missionaries from Addis Ababa?

Conversations are still proceeding, and I am not in a position to make a further statement at present.

Does the Noble Lord hope to be in a position in the near future to make a statement?

Yes, I hope to make a statement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement concerning the treatment by the Italian authorities of the firm of Mahomet Ali at Addis Ababa?

This matter has continued under discussion between His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome and the Italian Government, and between the British Consul-General and the Italian authorities at Addis Ababa. As a result of His Majesty's Government's representations, the Italian Government have undertaken to allow Messrs. Mahomet Ali freedom of action with regard to negotiations for the sale of their business in Abyssinia to Italian interests. They have also assured His Majesty's Government that a reasonable period will be allowed for the negotiations, no fixed time-limit being imposed; and they have stated that they have asked the firm for a list of persons who will be charged with the Liquidation of their interests in Abyssinia. The Italian Government have further informed Sir Eric Drummond that all possible facilities will be given for the export from Abyssinia of the proceeds of the liquidation. So far as the personnel of Messrs. Mahomet Ali's branches in Abyssinia are concerned, the time limit within which they were to leave the country has been extended until 31st May; and on 19th April all restrictions on the sale of the firm's goods were removed.

Are the Government accepting the allegation that has been made by the Italian Government against this firm?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reason for the proposed postponement of the forthcoming meeting of the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference?

I understand that the reasons for which the Vice-President of the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference has proposed that the meeting of the bureau should be postponed to a date to be fixed in connection with the forthcoming meetings of the Council and the Assembly are that it is desired to meet the convenience of those members of the bureau who would normally be present at the Council and the Assembly and to take into account the possibility that some members of the bureau might, at the original date proposed, still be engaged at the Montreux Conference.

Has the date been fixed?

No, but I think it will be at the end of the month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who signed the Lausanne Agreement in July, 1932; whether he can give the text of the Agreement; and whether any alteration has been made in the Agreement since 1932?

I would refer the hon. Member to Command Paper 4126 containing the Final Act of the Lausanne Conference and Command Paper 4129 containing the Further Documents relating to the Settlement reached at the Lausanne Conference in which the texts of the Agreement with Germany and of the other documents are given, and also the names of those who signed them at the Lausanne Conference in July, 1932. The answer to the last part of the question is, No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning the proposals of the Rumanian Government to enact legislation discriminating against the employment of members of the minorities in Rumania to the extent of fixing a compulsory minimum of 75 per cent. of employés of so-called Rumanian ethnical origin; and whether the Secretary of State will make it clear that such a measure would contravene the Minorities treaty to which Great Britain is one of the signatories?

I understand that a Bill to this effect was discussed in the Rumanian Press for some time, but was not proceeded with by the Government, as it was pronounced illegal by the Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the widespread desire in this country for an improvement in international relations, he will invite the opinion of the President of the United States of America as to the holding of a world conference, or of commissions leading up to such a conference, to discuss the redress of grievances and the promotion of international economic organisation?

As was stated by the Prime Minister on 22nd April, in reply to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson), His Majesty's Government consider that, before any steps were taken to summon a further World Conference, thorough and comprehensive investigation would be required in order to ascertain that there is a prospect of success. His Majesty's Government and the French Government have recently invited the Prime Minister of Belgium to undertake informal inquiries as to the possibility of securing a general relaxation of the obstacles to international trade. M. van Zeeland was good enough to accept this invitation, and His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the results of his investigations should be awaited before the question of summoning a World Conference is considered.

In view of the prominence given to this subject by a Member of this House, are His Majesty's Government taking any initiative with regard to investigating this subject by way of preparatory commissions?

We had better wait and see what M. van Zeeland achieves first. It is no good proceeding on two conflicting lines at the same time.

Are any other investigations taking place apart from that of M. van Zeeland, which I understand are restricted to trade matters?

This question is very largely restricted to trade matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what body determines whether a referendum is to be taken on the question of holding an election in the city of Danzig?

Article 9 of the Danzig Constitution states that the Popular Assembly may be dissolved before the end of its term of office (a) by its own decision, (b) by a referendum. It is not specifically stated in this article that the holding of a referendum is to be decided upon by the Popular Assembly, but it is definitely laid down that a referendum may also be held on the demand of the Senate. Any question arising out of the application of this article would be a matter for judicial interpretation.

Is there no external body by whom a referendum can be commanded?

These are the only circumstances in the constitution.

How can that be satisfactory, as the Nazi Government in Danzig are hardly likely to decree their own death?

It may not he entirely satisfactory, but that is the constitution.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the regulations of his Department cause unnecessary suffering to ex-Service men applying for entrance to Ministry of Pensions hospitals because of the delay between the initial application to the chief area officer and the final action following the medical report, during which time applicants cannot take local medical advice; and whether he will consider the amendment of these regulations?

The Ministry's regulations are expressly designed to avoid delay in securing any necessary treatment. The local medical staff of the Ministry have instructions, in every case of suspected urgency, to obtain admission to hospital, if necessary, immediately on the man's application or following medical examination. In fact, about one-half of the applications are so dealt with. In other cases, many of which will not have been seen by the Ministry for several years, information may have to be obtained from the man's private doctor and other investigations made in order to determine the appropriate treatment to be given by the Ministry. In the bulk of these cases admission to hospital is secured in from seven to nine days, during which the patient remains free to seek the advice of his panel practitioner if he requires it. I am satisfied that the practice of the Ministry is generally as expeditious as it can be made, but if the hon. Member has any cases in mind in which undue delay appears to have occurred, I will gladly look into them.

Would the Minister give power to the man's own doctor to summon a local Department doctor without having to do it through the area officer?

I am anxious to avoid possible delay. Perhaps the hon. Member will see me afterwards to discuss his suggestion.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of calls as registered on the time clock, to the last convenient date, since the installation of the automatic signal T I M; and when it is proposed to introduce a similar service in the provincial telephone exchanges?

The speaking clock service was introduced in London on 24th July last; and the number of calls made to the clock up to 17th April was 9,226,320. Arrangements are in hand for the extension of this service to other large centres. The matter is being proceeded with as quickly as possible; but the extension involves the manufacture of special equipment and the provision of additional line plant; and no date can yet be given for the introduction of the extended service.

Can the Minister say what is the cost of the clock and the installation?

That should be the subject of another question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put one down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the method of collecting evidence used in the case of the five men recently dismissed from the dockyards is still in operation as regards future possible offenders?

The Admiralty are bound to use every effort to obtain timely information concerning any attempt to imperil the safety of His Majesty's ships or Naval establishments or to subvert the loyalty of personnel, but it would not be in the public interest to disclose the methods which may have to be adopted for this purpose.

Is the Minister aware that when this matter was discussed in the House a good deal of misgiving was manifest among Members at the methods adopted, and is it not time that this way of getting information, by means of spies, was abolished?

Investigations of this nature are cut down to the very minimum, but it is absolutely essential that we should be in a position to prevent action of the nature which I have indicated.

But is it not possible to achieve that end in other ways than by the disgusting way which was disclosed in the Debate?

Is there any difference between the methods employed in this case and the methods adopted in civil cases?

Is the Minister aware that there is great disquiet among the men in the yards at the methods adopted and the type of persons engaged to undertake this task, who have to justify themselves on the job they have been given?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take, in view of the Ministry's index number for retail food prices having risen by 18 per cent. since 1932 and by 8 per cent. during the last 14 months, and seeing that prices are now 151 per cent. over 1914 prices?

I do not know what steps the hon. Member has in mind, but I would point out that the cost of living figure is 51—not 151—per cent. above that for 1914.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to state the terms of reference and the personnel of the tribunal to inquire into the fees paid to panel doctors under the National Health Insurance scheme?

No, Sir. The arrangements for the inquiry are not quite complete, but I will inform the hon. Member as soon as they are settled.

Can the Minister give me an approximate date?

I will let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now make any further statement about the preservation of the building of Tailor's Hall, in Edinburgh?

I am informed that the corporation have at present under consideration a suggestion for the construction of an arcade which would enable the carriageway to be widened and the buildings to be preserved.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he intends to introduce legislation in the present Session to amend the Teachers' Superannuation Act in respect of service abroad; and whether periods of foreign service recognised as contributory service under such legislation will be recognised also for purposes of salary increments under the Burnham agreements?

My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to introduce a Bill to amend the Teachers' Superannuation Acts in order to provide for periods of service abroad up to five years, or such longer periods as the board may in special circumstances direct, being treated as pensionable service. The recognition of such periods for purposes of salary increments is of course a matter for the Burnham Committees, which no doubt will consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers of the 1st battalion the Loyal Lancashire Regiment, on being granted leave to proceed to their homes on their recent return to England after service in India and Palestine, were not granted free travelling warrants; and, since most of this Regiment live in the North and travelling expenses from the depot at Tidworth were exceedingly heavy; whether he can state the reason why the men were not taken to a depot nearer their homes or, alternatively, given travelling warrants?

Under existing regulations free travelling warrants are not authorised for military personnel proceeding on leave, and I am advised that the cost of making such a concession would be prohibitive. With regard to the second part of the question, personnel returning home with their unit from a tour of foreign service do not proceed individually to the regimental depot but accompany the unit to its new station, which in the case of The Loyal Regiment was Tidworth. There are no stations for regular battalions in Lancashire.

Since when was the depot of the Loyal Lancashire Regiment moved from Preston to Tidworth?

I did not say it was removed from Lancashire.

Can the Minister say the actual cost? Is it considered prohibitive?

I have not been able to get the actual figure, and should therefore not like to mention any.

Would it not make the task of recruiting very much easier if the interests of the serving soldier were considered?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the need of taking action to increase old age and widows' pensions by 2S. a week in order to meet the 18 per cent. rise in prices of retail food since 1932?

asked the Prime Minister, if, in view of the increased cost of living, he will arrange for a corresponding adjustment of old age pensions?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave on 18th March to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).

In view of the continued increase in the cost of living and of the position of these poor people, would the Minister be prepared to reconsider the whole position?

I recognise the feeling in the lion. Member's mind, but I would remind him, as his question is based upon the cost of living, that the cost of living at the date when these pensions were first made was very much higher than it is now.