asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increasing importance of health and disease in all branches of livestock breeding, he has examined the advisability of instituting a system of accredited herds for breeding pigs on the same basis as that adopted in Denmark?

I assume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the officially recognised breeding centres for pigs which have for a long time been established in Denmark. I have received no representations which indicate that there is any need for the introduction of this system into England and Wales, from which it would appear that, in this country, private pig breeders are able to meet the demand for pure-bred and healthy stock.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the numbers of allotment holders in Yorkshire for each of the last five years?

Following is the reply:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the proposed retrocession of the civil and military station of Bangalore to Mysore?

I can add nothing at present to the reply which I gave on 23rd November last to my hon and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has observed the great increase in exports from India, and compared them with the decrease of cotton textiles going from this country to India; and whether this is sufficiently realised in India and will be taken into account in the trade negotiations about to take place?

I am aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend refers. I have no doubt they will be taken into account, together with other relevant facts, in the coming negotiations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how long the aeroplane bombardment has been carried on in parts of the North-West Frontier area since the 6th April; whether any delayed-action bombs have been used; what opportunities exist for the evacuation of noncombatants from the areas covered by the bombardment, and where they can find refuge; whether any steps were taken to secure the removal of non-combatants before the bombardment began; whether any and, if so, how many casualties have been caused by the bombardment to armed men and to non-combatants, respectively; whether any crops have been destroyed, and, if so, over what extent of land; whether any dams or reservoirs have been destroyed, and, if so, what area of cultivation is affected; whether any and, if so, how many persons will be deprived of their crops by these means in the coming season; and whether the Government will reconsider the policy of armed invasion and subjugation of tribes living beyond the administrative frontier?

Apart from the use of aircraft in co-operation with our land forces and the blockade by air of the Tori Khel tribe recently authorised as a means of economic pressure, air action has been taken from time to time since 6th April in a few localities in Waziristan, which have been proscribed, to keep them clear of hostile tribesmen. Ample opportunities are always given by the dropping of warning notices for the evacuation of areas under bombardment and areas of safety are notified. It is not known how many casualties have been caused to armed tribesmen, but so far as is known none has been caused to non-combatants, nor have any been caused by delayed action bombs. No dams or reservoirs have been destroyed, and any damage which may have occurred to crops is negligible.As regards the last part of the question, the policy of the Government of India is to maintain the peace of the border and enter into good relations with the tribes with a view to their gradual civilisation and economic betterment. The present operations to restore peace and order have been necessitated by the activities of raiding gangs against the inhabitants of British India and frequent attacks on our forces and communications.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the approximate number of agricultural workers in Yorkshire registered under the Unemployinent Insurance (Agriculture) Act?

Estimates of the total numbers insured under the agricultural scheme, compiled on the normal basis, will not be available until after the general exchange of unemployment books which will begin in July next. The only figures so far available for each county are those showing the numbers of agricultural unemployment books issued up to the end of August, 1936, and these figures exclude private gardeners who were brought into insurance as from 1st February, 1937. The approximate number of persons to whom agricultural unemployment books had been issued up to the end of August, 1936, by local offices of the Ministry of Labour situated in Yorkshire was 36,800.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to give facilities to the public to send mails to the United States of America by airship, in view of the fact that the published time table for the German airship for 1937 provides for 18 flights each way across the North Atlantic from 3rd May to November, the average time for crossing last year from Frankfurt to Lakehurst being under 64 hours and from Lakehurst to Frankfurt under 52 hours?

I am proposing to offer this facility to the public and particulars will be announced shortly. The air postage payable will be 2s. 9d. per half ounce.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the difficulties at present confronting the trawling industry in Aberdeen owing to increasing costs and decreasing revenue; and whether he has any proposal to make?

I am aware of the difficulties referred to in the question. As already announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Government propose to introduce as early as possible legislation dealing with the organisation of the white fish industry. At the instance of the trawling industry I am examining, in consultation with the Minister, the question whether it is practicable under the existing law, as an interim measure, to prescribe a mark for fish caught in near waters. This question is one of some complexity and I am not yet in a position to intimate a decision.