asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to reconsider the present policy of the Government of India in regard to the North-West Frontier, to abandon all interference in the tribal area, and to stop strategical road construction in Waziristan and the bombing of wide areas from the air which has accompanied it; and whether, with a view to avoiding further bloodshed, the Government will secure the immediate withdrawal of all British and Indian forces to a stated distance within the administrative border of India?

The policy of the Government of India is to maintain the peace of the border and to enter into friendly relations with the tribes, with a view to their gradual civilisation. There can be no question of a reversal of this policy in the sense suggested by the hon.

Is there any difference between the British bombing Waziris who are defending their territory and the Italians bombing Abyssinia?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the latest developments on the North-West Frontier of India; and whether the lack of mule and pack transport, which has hindered the operations of the troops away from the roads, has yet been overcome?

The operations recently carried out by different columns composed of two brigades of the 1st Division and the Razmak and Bannu brigades have in each case been successful. In these, and in the attack on the 2nd Brigade camp on the night of 27th/28th April, the tribal lashkars have suffered heavily and it is reported that they are diminishing in number. There is no lack of animal pack transport and the accounts of operations, which are fully reported in the Press, show that the tactical mobility of the various columns is not being impaired.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite clear that with the large mechanised force in India now there is in mountainous country adequate mobility?

I am informed that there is an adequate supply of animal transport where it is needed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the messing allowance paid to men in the Royal Air Force on service in India; how this sum compares in purchasing power with the ration allowance paid to such men in England and Egypt; and, if it be smaller, whether any steps are being taken to adjust this?

The messing allowance paid to men of the Royal Air Force in India is 3½ annas per man per diem. It is not strictly comparable with the ration allowance issued under British Regulations, and a comparison of the respective purchasing power of the two allowances would, therefore, be misleading. The whole question is at present under consideration, and I expect that an anouncement will be made shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has further information concerning the present position in India?

I have no fresh information to give the House about the present political situation.

When do the Government propose to summon the Provincial Assemblies?

Not at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he would be prepared to suggest a formula of agreement with the Indian Congress leaders, whereby the issue in dispute might be resolved by an appeal to the judges of the federal court acting as arbitrators?

I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 26th April last the Government's views on the subject of an arbitral tribunal. Similar considerations apply to the suggestion now made by the hon. Member.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that nothing will impede the Government from doing whatever it can to secure the convening of these Provincial Assemblies which have been elected some six or eight weeks ago?

The Assemblies must be called together within six months of the inauguration of the Act, and it will be for each individual Governor to summon the Assembly before that time.

Does the hon. Gentleman regard it as a desirable situation that this period of six months should elapse before some initiative is undertaken by the Governors to settle this difficult and unfortunate situation?

The Assemblies must be summoned before the period of six months, and we must leave it to the individual Governors to use their discretion in the matter.

What precisely is the difficulty in the Governor-General summoning the leaders in respect of the six Provinces where they have won the elections?

The Governors of the individual Provinces have already summoned the leaders of majority parties and given them an invitation. This is essentially a matter for the Governors of Provinces.

Is it not a fact that there has been a misunderstanding between the Governors and the representatives of Congress? Surely that is a matter that the Governor-General should take in hand and clear up in the whole of the Provinces concerned?

I have indicated the attitude of the Governor-General in reply to previous questions. If he is approached, he will certainly give the matter consideration.

Surely the Governor-General will not stand on his dignity in a matter of this kind and will take the initiative? He is in the best and strongest position, and it is his business to bring about a settlement.

Is not the misunderstanding whether it is the British or the Indians who are to control India?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any action has been taken at Geneva to set up a preparatory commission in anticipation of the World Opium Conference to be held in 1940?

Preparatory work for the Conference for Limiting the Production of the Opium Poppy and of Raw Opium is among the items on the Agenda of the next session of the Opium Advisory Committee which will open at Geneva on 24th May. I understand that the Committee will consider, among other matters, the appointment of a Preparatory Committee for the purpose of drawing up a preliminary draft Convention.

In view of the need for taking drastic and effective action in respect of the opium evil, will the Government delegates be instructed to work in close co-operation with the delegates of the United States delegation in order to ensure that this conference shall be a success?

I can assure the hon. Member that our delegation will do everything in its power to co-operate with the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received from His Majesty's representatives in Spain concerning the bombing by air of Guernica, the capital of the Basques, on 26th to 27th April, 1937; and whether any British subjects lost their lives or were injured in these air raids?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of ascertaining who was in fact responsible for the destruction of Guernica, he will give to the House any information received from His Majesty's representatives in Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information which throws light upon the question-whether the destruction of Guernica and the massacre of its civil population was carried out by German aircraft manned by German pilots and crews?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will initiate immediately proposals for an international commission to investigate the circumstances of the recent air attack on Guernica and, in particular, the charges made by the Basque Government?

A telegram was sent on Friday last to His Majesty's Ambassador and to His Majesty's Consul at Bilbao requesting them to forward as soon as possible any information which might assist in establishing the facts regarding the destruction of Guernica. Replies are still being received and my information is not yet complete. I am, therefore, not in a position to make a considered statement on this subject to-day. His Majesty's Government have, however, already expressed their views on the general question of the bombardment of civilian populations, of which the destruction of Guernica furnishes so deplorable an example. As I intimated to the House on Friday last, His Majesty's Government are considering what steps can be taken in co-operation with other Powers to prevent recurrence of such happenings.

So far as the question of German responsibility for this outrage is concerned, has the hon. Gentleman seen a definite statement by the Dean of Valladolid, who is now proceeding to Rome to lay before the Pope an account by eye-witnesses, including himself, that German planes were involved?

I am not sure that I have actually seen the statement, but I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for drawing my attention to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of an international commission after he has made his investigation?

I would rather not go further than I have gone in the last part of my answer.

Were any British lives lost, and have arrangements been made for evacuation?

No British lives have been lost, as far as I am aware, and authority has been given to the British Consul at Bilbao to come away and evacuate the British community when he considers it necessary.

Is it not the case that Guernica is the centre of the small arms manufacture in the Basque country?

Can we have a statement before the Whitsuntide Adjournment?

Certainly, I hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with non-intervention, the transfer of Spanish Government merchant vessels to foreign flags has been considered, in view of its effect upon such non-intervention, and seeing that transfers of this nature give such vessels immunity at sea which they would not otherwise possess?

The problem raised by the transfer of flag is, I understand, already under consideration by the Non-Intervention Committee, but the particular ques- tion which is engaging its attention is that of the transfer from the flag of one of the non-intervention countries to the Spanish flag in order to avoid the necessity of complying with the arrangements under the scheme of observation, and not vice versa. As far as transfer to British ownership is concerned, my information is that no merchant ship belonging to the Spanish Government has been transferred to British ownership since 1st January last. I have no information as regards transfer to foreign owners.

Who charters these ships?

That is another question for the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that we are employing ships of the British Navy to safeguard food ships for the Spanish Government, he will inquire from the British diplomatic and consular representatives in Spain whether these ships have been bought on behalf of, or are being financed by, the Spanish Government?

Such information as is available regarding the ownership of these ships is, I understand, obtainable from the files of the companies concerned in the Register at Somerset House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. T. D. McEwen, now connected with the despatch of food ships to Spanish Government ports, is a born British subject or a naturalised subject and, in the latter case, when his naturalisation papers were taken out; and whether, in view of his activities on behalf of the Spanish Government in Spain, the Government will consider the withdrawal of his passport?

So far as I am aware, Mr. McEwen is a natural born British subject. I have no evidence to show that his activities on behalf of the Spanish Government have exceeded legitimate commercial transactions or that he has been concerned with breaches of the Non-Intervention Agreement. The answer to the last part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

Will my right hon. Friend make further inquiries?

I do not think that that is really a question for me.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the intended evacuation of thousands of Basque children to this country; is he prepared to offer the services of the British Navy for convoy; and, owing to the faith of these children, will he consult with the ecclesiastical authorities in London regarding their destination?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will offer its assistance to secure the evacuation of the civilian population, and especially the women and children, from Basque towns now threatened by indiscriminate bombardment; and whether special facilities will be afforded for the evacuation of children?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will offer the services of the British Navy to carry refugee women and children from Bermeo to France at the request of the Basque Government to do so?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have asked, or have requested the Basque Government to ask, the agreement of General Franco before consenting to assist in the evacuation of children from Bilbao?

The Basque Government have approached His Majesty's Government, stating that they desire to evacuate from Bilbao women, children and old people threatened by the approach of the war zone to the city, and requesting the protection of His Majesty's ships for the purpose of this evacuation. In reply, His Majesty's Government asked whether it was intended that the scheme of evacuation should apply to persons of all political creeds, and whether the Basque Government would consent that His Majesty's Consul in Bilbao should be kept in close touch with the arrangements in order that he might be in a position to ensure that impartiality was being strictly observed in the spirit and the letter. Assurances on these points have now been received from the Basque Government, and His Majesty's Government have accordingly agreed to instruct His Majesty's ships to afford all possible protection on the high seas to any ships leaving Bilbao with these non-combatant refugees on board. They have also informed the insurgent authorities of their intentions in regard to this matter. As regards the last part of the question put by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division (Mr. Logan), I understand that no final arrangements have yet been made for the admission of Basque children; but that the point which the hon. Member makes has not been overlooked by the committee which is making itself responsible for their care in this country.

May I draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the fact that, as they have a special language and have their own teachers, it would be a very good thing for the children themselves if the Government would see that they were partitioned off instead of being used for propaganda purposes?

As I have a telegram here saying that 4,000 children are ready to sail, does the latter part of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that, as far as the Foreign Office are concerned, arrangements are ready to admit them, provided the arrangements of the committee are carried through?

That is rather another point that the hon. Lady has raised. What I am concerned with is the protection of these ships on the high seas. The admission of these children to this country, of course, is not a matter for me.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the old people are to be above any particular age?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is anything in the Non-Intervention Agreement to prevent Russia or France sending food to Bilbao?

No, Sir.

Is it not the fact that this country is the only country that is sending any food to Spain at present?

As far as I am aware, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a German bomber, of the type Heinkel III, was shot down over Bilbao two weeks ago; that the bodies of the crew of three carried German papers; that on one of the bodies there was a diary showing that the writer left Berlin with the aeroplane on 5th April and travelled via Rome to Seville, where he arrived on 6th April; and what action he proposes to take in view of this infraction of the Non-Intervention Agreement and of the volunteer agreement of 20th February?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these particulars have been furnished by a most trustworthy British observer in Bilbao and, if I furnish in confidence, his name and further particulars to the right hon. Gentleman will he follow up the matter?

I, of course, will examine anything the hon. Gentleman sends to me.

May we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that, if it is true, His Majesty's Government will take some action in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Marquis del Moral was asked to give any undertaking to refrain from political activities whilst in this country; and whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of the Marquis with a view to influencing the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to nonintervention in Spanish affairs?

This gentleman, I understand, was born in Australia but acquired Spanish nationality in 1928. A great part of his life has been spent in this country where his children were born, and, according to his statement on registration with the police, he has seen several years' service in the British Army, including service during the Boer War and the last War. No restriction has been applied to his stay here. As explained in the reply to the question put on 11th February by the lion. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker), the policy of non-intervention is not regarded as extending to prohibiting any resident from expressing his sympathy with either side in the Spanish struggle.

I want to ask the Under-Secretary to answer my question: whether his attention has been drawn to the actual attempts on the part of the Marquis del Moral to influence Members of this House in connection with nonintervention in Spanish affairs?

Is it not a fact that this distinguished visitor simply came here to state facts to the House of Commons, as has been done on so many other occasions?

Is the Under-Secretary aware that one word from a marquis counts for more than a thousand from an ordinary man with members of the Tory party?

On a point of Order. I put down a question and sent material to the Home Office, and the Home Office have deliberately avoided the material I sent to them and have not answered my question. I want to know whether I am not entitled to have a reply.

That is not a point of Order. An answer has been given to the question.

Cannot we put a supplementary question on this matter?

Does the hon. Member rise to a point of Order?

I rose in order to put a supplementary question.

On a point of Order. Has an agency representing another Government the right to write letters to Members of Parliament inviting them to attack other Members of Parliament?

That is not a point of Order.

On a point of Order. Are we riot allowed to put a supplementary question with regard to the question on the Paper?

One or two supplementary questions have already been asked.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement has been reached by the Non-Intervention Committee as to the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain?

As stated by my Noble Friend on 26th April, the sub-committee which was appointed to prepare a scheme for the withdrawal of non-Spanish combatants from Spain held its first meeting on that day. It is meeting again this afternoon. I understand that progress is being made as rapidly as could be expected in view of the extremely complicated problems involved.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that no more volunteers are entering Spain on either side?

I am satisfied that the scheme is at work.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a reply from General Franco with reference to the scheme of evacuating women and children from Bilbao by sea?

Yes, Sir. A reply has been received from the insurgent authorities recognising the humanitarian and impartial motives of His Majesty's Government but rejecting the proposal for a number of reasons and making alternative proposals of their own for ensuring the safety of the civilian population. I would make it clear that His Majesty's Government intend, nevertheless, to give the assistance to which I have referred in previous answers on this subject to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information on the discussions between the statesmen of several Scandinavian and other countries of a draft agreement on armaments expenditure, including the setting up of a joint committee to communicate direct with the disarmament section of the League of Nations?

I understand that conversations are taking place between certain countries. His Majesty's Government will no doubt be informed in due course of their outcome.

From the knowledge that the right hon. Gentleman possesses of these conversations, may we take it that the Government will be sympathetically inclined to consider such an agreement?

I am disposed to await a communication from these Governments concerned, with whom, of course, we are in very friendly relations, and I have no doubt that they will tell us as soon as they have something to communicate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that under Article 8 of the Treaty of Locarno the Treaty can only be terminated by a two-thirds majority of the Council of the League of Nations, the consent of the League Council has been obtained to the variation of the Treaty as a result of the release of Belgium from the treaty obligations contained in the Anglo-French declaration of 24th April?

No, Sir. Article 8 contemplates the position where the Treaty of Locarno can cease to have effect because the Council decides that the League of Nations ensures sufficient protection to the parties. The situation produced by Germany's repudiation of the Treaty obviously rendered inappropriate the utilisation of the machinery provided by Article 8, especially as there was no question of terminating the Treaty.

Is it not the fact that the only obligation imposed upon Belgium by the Treaty of Locarno to come to the assistance of this country was in effect a mere re-affirmation of the obligations of Belgium under Article 16 of the Covenant, and, that being so, is not the releasing of Belgium from her obligations a matter for the League of Nations?

No, Sir, the hon. Gentleman is not correct. In point of fact, Belgium has no obligations at all to this country under the Treaty of Locarno.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the release by the British and French Governments of Belgium from all obligations towards them resulting from the Treaty of Locarno and the arrangements of 19th March, 1936, he will state what notice the British and French Governments are bound to give to the Belgian Government, in order to terminate their obligations towards Belgium resulting from the said Treaty and the said arrangements should they also desire to be relieved of such obligations?

No such period of notice has been provided for.

Am I to understand from my right hon. Friend that, in exchange for a purely gratuitous and permanent guarantee, we have received no consideration whatever from the Belgian Government?

No, Sir, the hon. Gentleman should not take that view. In the view of His Majesty's Government, their obligation towards Belgium under the Locarno Treaty constitutes an effort towards the maintenance of peace.

Is it not the fact that a joint obligation was issued a week or two ago stating that the French Government and His Majesty's Government purported to release the Belgian Government from her obligations to France and to this country; and how could that be if Belgium is under no obligation to this country?

That is a different point. Belgium is under no obligation to this country under the Locarno Treaty.

Is it not from the special obligations under the Locarno Treaty and the Agreement made last year that Belgium has been released; and has not Belgium re-affirmed her obligations to the States who are her fellow-members of the League of Nations?

Yes, Sir, that is perfectly true.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to announce some comprehensive plan for dealing with an increase of home-grown foodstuffs in this country?

I am not in a position to make any further statement on agricultural policy at present.

Is it not high time that the Government formulated a long-term policy for agriculture in order to assist the production of home-grown foodstuffs; and do they think that, having done nothing, they are expected to do nothing at all?

The hon. Member asks so many questions garnished with so many derogatory epithets, that he will not expect me to agree with him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what assistance and encouragement are being given to the home farmers to produce food as economically as their foreign competitors?

A comprehensive service of education and technical advice is provided for farmers in this country with the object of securing the use of the most efficient methods of production. I am sending my hon. Friend two leaflets giving full particulars.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the leaflets, but I would much rather having some Government policy than a few leaflets sent to me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government have now considered the Cutforth (Milk) Reorganisation Report; and what action they propose to take in the matter?

I regret that I am not yet able to make any statement upon this subject.

Will there be legislation before the summer?

I hope to be able to announce proposals before the end of the summer and to initiate such legislation as is necessary to maintain the position. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that I have just received comments from the Milk Marketing Board and the Farmers' Union, and I must study them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount paid to the Herring Industry Board from the 1d. in the £ levy upon the herring catch of last season up to February, 1937; and whether the amount of levy is to be increased for next season?

I am informed that the total amount received by the board in respect of their levy of 1d. in the £ on first sales of herring (including imported herring) during the year ended 31st January, 1937, was £10,785. As from 1st February, 1937, the rate of the levy was increased to 2d. in the £.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the levy is paid by the owners in its entirety, or whether any part of it is charged against the share payment of the crews?

I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation have yet taken any steps to implement the recommendation of the Ullswater Committee that trade unions should be permitted to organise eligible employeés of the corporation, in view of the fact that many grades of employés are at present not working under trade union conditions?

I understand that members of the staff of the British Broadcasting Corporation have full liberty to belong to any trade union for which they are eligible, and that it is the policy of the corporation to secure that the conditions of employment of its staff are in every case at least as good as those commonly obtaining in the case of comparable workers. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case in which difficulty has arisen, I will communicate with the corporation as regards the matter.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that 1,40o members of the staff of the B.B.C. are entitled to be members of a trade union, and that the organisers of these trade unions have applied to the director for permission to organise these members, and that in all cases they have been refused permission?

I am not aware that everybody is compelled to accept the policy of the Labour party. If the hon. Member will read the report of the Ullswater Committee he will see that they recommended that facilities should be given within the B.B.C. either for a central staff organisation or for smaller bodies representing the appropriate groups which they might wish to set up, and the corporation accepted this recommendation.

Is the right hon. and gallant Member aware that no decision has been arrived at yet on the Ullswater Committee's report although it is more than a year old?

A decision was reached a long time ago and announced, and the work is well in hand.

May I ask whether a copy of the decision has been conveyed to the members of the staff of the B.B.C., indicating that they are free to join any union they desire?

The staff are well aware of the Ullswater Committee's report, the decision of the Government and the willingness of the B.B.C. to afford facilities.

Is the B.B.C. willing to meet representatives of members of trade unions with regard to their grievances? That is the point.

I do not think it is the point. The point raised is a question in regard to the recommendation of the Ullswater Committee, and that has been accepted by the B.B.C.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the Postmaster-General the country of origin and the cost of installation of the speaking clock which is dialled in the London district by the automatic signal TIM; and when it is proposed to introduce similar extended services?

The speaking clock was designed by the Post Office Engineering Research Department and was constructed by Post Office engineers from parts manufactured in this country. The total capital cost of installation of the mechanism and associated plant, including the necessary preliminary experiments, was about £9,000. In addition, substantial expenditure is incurred in day to day maintenance and in the provision of power and of exchange and junction plant and of operating staff for dealing with the calls. As stated in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 26th April, the date of the extension of the service to other large centres is dependent upon the manufacture of special equipment and the provision of additional line plant.

Is all the special equipment being manufactured in Great Britain?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the cost of the day to day maintenance of this clock?

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he will make a statement about the proposed radio-telephone extension to the Western Isles; which islands will be served; whether further local extensions will be made among the smaller islands; and how soon these developments will take place;

Trunk telephone service to Harris via Stornoway will be available about the end of next month. Telephone service will eventually be provided to all the important islands in the Western Isles. The main link with the Southern Islands of the Outer Hebrides will be provided by means of a radio-telephone channel from Castlebay to Tobermory. The smaller islands will also be served where the cost is not prohibitive. It is not possible at this stage to say when the work will be completed, but it is proceeding now. The hon. Member will appreciate that it is not practicable to say what can be done in kiosk provision until the general scheme of communications for the outlying islands has been developed further. When this stage has been reached, the extension of kiosk facilities to the islands will be considered. I have no authority to provide telephone service at nurses' cottages and doctors' houses otherwise than on the usual rental terms.

May we have a more definite assurance that the service will eventually be supplied in the smaller islands? May we have any hope at least that in the islands which are already connected kiosks will be established?

That was covered in my original answer. We are getting on with the work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the number of requests that have been made to his Department for permits, and the number granted, to motor coaches to use certain roads in Hyde Park, St. James's Park, and Green Park for the three years ended to the last convenient date?

During the three years ending at 31st March, 1937, 2,068 permits have been asked for and granted.

Has any special number been asked for in respect of the Coronation?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether arrangements can be made for holders of tickets in the Palace Yard uncovered stands to sit in Westminster Hall, if it is wet, during the period of waiting on Coronation day?

A buffet for the use of the occupants of the stands within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster will be established in Westminster Hall, and tables and chairs will be provided in connection therewith. I am afraid, however that it would not be possible to seat simultaneously in the Hall all those occupying uncovered seats on the stands.

asked the Lord President of the Council how many seats have been erected in Westminster Abbey from which no direct view of the Coronation ceremony is obtainable?

All seats are placed in a position to afford a view of the procession or the ceremony. Those seats east of the Screen, numbering 4,020, will afford a view of the ceremony in the Coronation Theatre or Sanctuary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 50 of the tickets for seats have been returned by the Press on the ground that they give no adequate view of the proceedings?

That is a totally different question. If the hon. Member has any communication I should be glad to have it. No committee for which I am answering is responsible for the construction of Westminster Abbey.

asked the Lord President of the Council how many seats to view the Coronation ceremony and procession have been returned by various organisations to which they were allocated; and whether such seats have been offered to the public at the same price?

Approximately 2,000 seats in all were not required by the organisations to which they were offered. These seats have now been offered to other similar organisations at the same prices, and have been accepted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that five Press photographers, including two cinematograph photographers, with all their apparatus, are to be accommodated for three hours during the Coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey in a wooden construction measuring 12 feet by 4 feet 6 inches, by 4 feet; and whether he is satisfied that this is adequate accommodation?

In view of the prominent position desired by the photographers for themselves and for their apparatus it has been necessary, in order that they may not be so conspicuous as to interfere with the service or with the general appearance of the Abbey, to construct a box for them. Ventilation is provided from both ends and from the roof. It will be occupied for as short a time as possible, as arrangements have been made for the photographers to enter it immediately before the service and to leave immediately afterwards. Having regard to the general limitation of space in the Abbey, it is regretted that the arrangements, whether for photographers or for members of the congregation generally, cannot be more commodious. The photographers themselves are satisfied with the accommodation provided.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the making of an award to old age pensioners of a similar Coronation grant to that which is to be made to the registered unemployed, as so many of these pensioners are in very straitened circumstances?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 11th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Newcastle-on-Tyne (Mr. Denville) and other hon. Members.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the disappointment caused to Members who have been allotted seats in uncovered stands for the Coronation ceremony but who had applied for seats in covered stands, he will take steps to have covers put on the stands in question?

I regret that, owing to the presence of the Catalpa trees, it is not possible to cover the great majority of the seats referred to. In the opinion of my Noble Friend the First Commis- sioner of Works it would be indefensible to subject these trees to the severe lopping which would be necessary to enable a roof to be fixed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation to amend the National Health Insurance Acts so as to increase the amount of maternity benefit payable by approved societies, seeing that the Midwives Act, 1936, by making compulsory the attendance of a qualified midwife at all confinements, throws an added financial burden on insured contributors at such times?

The position of a woman entitled to maternity benefit as regards the arrangements for attendance at her confinement is not materially affected by the provisions of the Midwives Act, 1936. The National Health Insurance Acts have always contemplated that such a woman should be attended either by a medical practitioner or a qualified midwife. Moreover, the Midwives Act expressly provides that the fees charged by local authorities for the services of their midwives may be remitted in whole or in part where the circumstances justify such remission. My right hon. Friend does not, therefore, consider that the coming into operation of the new Midwives Act affords any reason for the suggested amendment of the National Health Insurance Act.

Is the hon. Member not aware that independent midwives now are paid a fee of 1os., and that they are taking away the maternity benefit? Will not the Minister see that maternity benefits are raised by at least another 15s.?

It is unnecessary to do that, because the woman will be able to obtain the services of a qualified midwife under the arrangements of the Midwives Act at a price within her means.

asked the Minister of Health how many aged people's cottages have been erected in Durham county since January, 1936, to date; and what number have been sanctioned for 1937–38?

Between 1st January, 1936, and 31st March, 1937, 774 non-parlour houses with one bedroom were sanctioned and 441 commenced. It is not known how many have been completed.

Can the hon. Member say whether these houses are to replace houses removed by slum clearance or whether we can look upon them as actually additional houses?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number and percentage of able-bodied poor transferred from the local authority to the Unemployment Assistance Board in the Edinburgh area since the second appointed day?

In the Unemployment Assistance Board's Edinburgh area the number of persons in receipt of public assistance prior to the second appointed day who made applications for unemployment assistance allowances and who were taken over from public assistance authorities was 1,804, representing about 68 per cent. of the total number of such applications.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that the Board appear to be looking at this question in a rather narrow way?

I have no reason to believe that the Board are interpreting the regulations otherwise than as they should do.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the House any information in connection with the way that the Unemployment Assistance Board are dealing with the cases under Part II of the Unemployment Assistance Act; whether he is aware of the different interpretations of the regulations that are being given; whether he can give any reason why only 40 per cent. of cases have been accepted in Haslington and in Preston and Chorley 80 per cent. have been accepted; and whether he is aware that there is a big demand in many parts of the country for a complete withdrawal of Part II of the Act?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the transfer of applications from the public assistance authorities to the Unemployment Assistance Board on the Second Appointed Day. The conditions under which such transfer may take place are laid down by Section 36 of the Unemployment Act, 1934. The decision is given in the first instance by the Board's officer. The local authority and the applicant, if dissatisfied with the decision, have the right to appeal to the chairman of the appeal tribunal. There have been considerable variations in the proportion of cases transferred to the Board in various areas and this has been due to variations in the numbers of different classes of applicants. I have no reason to suppose that the Board is interpreting the Act differently in different parts of the country and would point out that, as I have stated, there is in each case the right of appeal.

I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary knows the percentages which have been handed over to the public assistance committee by various boards?

That may be the case, but each applicant has a right to appeal if he wishes.

May I ask whether it is Haslington or Haslingden which is meant in the question? I know no place called Haslington, but I do know a place called Haslingden?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that labourers at Parkhead Forge, Glasgow, who are not on strike but were thrown idle as a result of the stoppage, and were receiving unemployment benefit, have since been refused benefit because the strike was recognised as official by the union, even though the labourers themselves are not recognised as being on strike according to the rules of the union and do not receive dispute benefit, and had no vote in the ballot which determines on strike action; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter and see that the men in question are granted benefit?

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases transferred to public assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board in West Ham covering the months of February, March, and up to date?

My right hon. Friend has no exact statistics on this matter, but he is informed by the local authority that some 30 cases have been transferred to them from the Unemployment Assistance Board since the beginning of this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the figures of the total number of bankruptcies amongst farmers for the year 1936?

The number of bankruptcies in England and Wales in 1936 amongst those who are described in the returns as farmers was 125.

Is the Minister entirely satisfied with the Department of the Board of Trade which is dealing with bankruptcies?

Absolutely; and with every other Department of the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of British capital now invested in countries oversea, and the amount of such capital invested in Canada, including Newfoundland, Australia and New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, and Argentina?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state when the report of the steel inquiry by the Imports Duties Advisory Committee is likely to be published?

I understand that the committee are pressing on with their report, but that it is not yet possible to indicate the probable date of its completion.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the delay in producing the report of the iron and steel inquiry is having a bad effect on places like Jarrow where important inquiries with regard to the use of the site are held up, and can he not make representations to the committee to see that this prolonged delay is now brought to an end?

I think the hon. Lady, if she makes a few more inquiries, will find that the account she has given does not represent the facts.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I am not accustomed to say things in this House that I am not prepared to prove and that I have made my statement on the authority of the man who made the inquiries? Will the Minister kindly withdraw the insult?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give an assurance that the revenues at present administered by the Banff Educational Trust will be earmarked and safeguarded for the children of the district for whom they were designed, and that, in particular, a part of the revenue will be applied to granting secondary school bursaries at Banff Academy just as they are granted at the secondary schools in Aberdeen and just as it is proposed to award them at Fordyce Academy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affimative and to the second in the negative. The general principle adopted by the Commissioners and the Department is that endowment revenue should not be applied to school bursaries save in exceptional circumstances, which do not appear in this case.

In view of the feeling which exists in Banff on this matter, will the hon. Gentleman not get into touch with the authorities on the matter?

The hon. Member will see that there is a Prayer down on this subject for to-night, and perhaps he will await my reply.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give the House any information in connection with the steel school building which has been built by the West Sussex County Council at Sidlesham; and for what reasons the board sanctioned these steel buildings?

There has recently been a rapid influx of population at Sidlesham in West Sussex, which has necessitated the enlargement of Sidlesham council school by the addition of four classrooms. In view of the urgency of the need, and the uncertainty as to the permanence of the present arrangements, the local education authority decided to experiment in a form of light construction consisting of light steel framing which can be easily and rapidly assembled or dismantled. The board will watch the experiment with interest.

May we take it that this experiment is only temporary?

That I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the House any information in connection with the fatal accident at Ford's motor works at Dagenham, Essex?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the fatal accident to Henry John Coe, which occurred on 28th April. My right hon. Friend has received a report from the factory inspector, but prefers to make no statement until he has been able to consider a report of the inquest. He will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the doubts expressed as to the legal validity of an automatic stop-light on the rear of a motor-car as a signal of a driver's intention to stop; and whether he will make any statement on the subject?

Paragraph 37 of the Highway Code says:

"Before you stop, or slow down or change direction, give the appropriate signal clearly and in good time."

"Signals by drivers should be given with the arm extended from the side of the vehicle at least as far as the elbow when mechanical indicators are not used."

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the public inconvenience caused by the North Kent transport strike, he will inquire what temporary local transport arrangements can be made for the sick, the infirm, the aged and the very young children?

The licensing of any temporary services is—upon application—for the Traffic Commissioners.

Will the Minister appoint a court of inquiry into the North Kent transport strike on similar lines to the court of inquiry appointed in the case of the London omnibus strike, in view of the fact that the North Kent omnibus strike has been going on for a much more considerable time?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to raise by two years the age at which driving licences can be granted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 28th April to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) of which I am sending him a copy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that the answer to which he has just referred said nothing?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman's recollection is at fault. The answer contained five lines.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an addition to the five lines indicating that he will consider taking measures along the lines I suggested, in view of the returns of accidents in which young drivers are involved, and also in view of the possibility that in many cases the young driver of 17 has not had the experience of responsibility which is really necessary?

The answer of five lines to which I referred did, in fact, cover that point. I am not unsympathetic towards the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the representations made to him by the Forth Road Bridge Promotion Committee asking for an assurance that the scheme is approved in principle and will be proceeded with within a definite time; and whether he is prepared to make a declaration which will permit of the large amount of necessary preliminary work to be put in hand?

The considerations which prevailed when I made my statement on this subject on 5th November last are even more dominant to-day, and I can add that the local authorities have been informed that they need not be deterred from taking, in the preparation of plans, discussions with interested parties or otherwise, such preliminary steps as may not involve them in material expenditure and may seem to them expedient before the scheme can again be brought to the attention of the Government.

Is this scheme approved in principle?