asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of persons during the previous 10 years who have been tried by a special tribunal of High Court Judges in India without the services of a jury and sentenced to be executed?

The Delhi conspiracy case of 1930 was heard by a Special Tri- bunal of three High Court Judges sitting without a jury, and three persons were sentenced to be executed in that case. Under Bengal Ordinance XI of 1931 it was provided that terrorist offences could by tried by a Special Tribunal of three High Court Judges, but so far as I have been able to trace no persons were, sentenced to death by a tribunal set up under that Ordinance. I am not aware of any other occasions during the last 10 years when provision has been made for the setting up of Special Tribunals of High Court Judges.

Will the Minister consider suggesting to the Indian authorities that persons charged with offences shall have the right to be tried by a jury?

I understand that it is quite common under the Code of Criminal Procedure for cases to be tried by a sessions judge sitting with assessors and not with a jury.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House regarding the anti-British Italian propaganda in Palestine and Arabia; and whether he proposes to protest to the Italian Government against its continuance?

His Majesty's Government take strong objection to this anti-British propaganda, and His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome has, on my instructions, more than once made representations to the Italian Government on this subject, the last occasion being about six weeks ago. I myself spoke on the matter to the Italian Ambassador a fortnight since. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the tone of the broadcasts from Bari has lately shown an improvement.

Has any undertaking been given by the Italian Government in this matter?

Yes, Sir; and I am glad that that question has been asked, in order to show the interest that is taken in this country in the matter.

Is it not possible for our stations to send out counter-propaganda?

We do not like it.

Is it not entirely against international custom for propaganda to be indulged in by countries with which we are at peace?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a violation of international agreement on broadcasting?

In view of the importance of this matter, I beg to give notice that I will raise it at an early opportunity on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the German Government in respect of the anti-British propaganda campaign at present being conducted in the State-controlled German Press?

No, Sir. But I would repeat the Prime Minister's appeal to the Press both at home and abroad for restraint in the present difficult times.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these venomous Press attacks are prejudicial to good relations between this country and Germany?

That is true of Press attacks wherever they come from.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the High Commissioner at Danzig has furnished any report to the League of Nations concerning the death of Hans Wiechmann; whether this report indicates that Herr Wiechmann was murdered; and, if so, by whom?

So far as I am aware no such report has been received from the High Commissioner. I am, however, making inquiries at Geneva.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will name the principal European Governments which have not intimated their acceptance in principle of the scheme for the withdrawal of foreign nationals now serving in Spain, submitted to them a month ago by the Non-Intervention Committee?

I am not in a position to make any statement on the attitude of the various Governments towards the scheme. I understand that only four Governments have so far communicated their observations to the Committee. His Majesty's Government, for their part, have informed the Committee that they are willing to agree in principle to accept the plan with any modifications which the Committee may adopt.

Is it not a fact that Lord Plymouth publicly stated a few days ago that this scheme had been sent to various Governments a month ago, and that only a few of them had replied; and are we not entitled to know which Governments have replied?

Yes, Sir, I think that is right, but I can answer only for our country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to maintain the effectiveness of the naval control of the Spanish coast, in view of the withdrawal of the German and Italian Governments?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Germany and Italy have withdrawn from the naval control scheme, it is the intention that the British and French Governments should take over the patrol of the coasts previously allotted to the withdrawing countries?

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of last Friday's Debate. His Majesty's Government have continued in the closest consultation with the French Government and other Governments concerned on the question of filling the gap in the naval patrol caused by the withdrawal of Germany and Italy from the work of the patrol. A meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee is to be held to-morrow morning at which it is contemplated that definite proposals with this end in view will be put forward. I hope to be in a position to make a further statement on the matter tomorrow.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a report published in Italy to the effect that it does not matter whether there is intervention or otherwise since General Franco must win?

If that is so, I wish there would not be intervention, any way.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have, or had at the time of its occupation by the insurgent forces, any representatives in Bilbao; and what was the basis of the evidence which has reached him through His Majesty's Minister at Hendaye to the effect that the final occupation of Bilbao took place without bloodshed and that the Basques who gave up their arms were immediately set free, a small number of anarchists being held to be tried by tribunals?

The answer to the first part of the question is, No, Sir. As regards the second part, I understand that the information was obtained by His Majesty's Ambassador from a journalist who was at Bilbao when General Franco's forces entered the city.

Is it not well known that General Franco permits no journalists to remain with his forces if they issue reports unfavourable to his Government; and how can the information be reliable and unbiased seeing that there is no source of such information?

"Unreliability" and "bias" are strong terms, but this information does seem to be generally confirmed. Only last week we were informed that the journalists now in Spain were reliable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable that His Majesty's Government should be dependent upon the reports of journalists?

Was not the British Consulate sacked before the arrival of General Franco, and His Majesty's representative therefore was not able to return?

In view of the large number of courts-martial now at work in Bilbao, could not the Government take some measures to see that the principles of humanity are observed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made in arranging for the withdrawal of non-Spanish combatants from the theatre of the Spanish civil war?

This question is on the agenda for the Non-Intervention Committee's meeting to-morrow morning.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has come to any decision on the reply of the Spanish insurgent authorities to the British protest concerning the mining of His Majesty's Ship "Hunter"?

I have already stated the present position in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on Wednesday last. I cannot at the moment add anything to that answer.

In view of the considerable time which has elapsed since the protest which His Majesty's Government sent to General Franco, may we not ask the right hon. Gentleman to expedite some sort of settlement of this matter?

We have had an answer, but the matter is now under consideration as to what our next step will be. I cannot say more.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, failing specific guarantees from the countries represented on the Non-Intervention Committee which have since its inception frequently intervened in the Spanish conflict and are doing so at the present moment on an unprecedented scale, he proposes to withdraw from the work of the committee, while stating that the territorial and political independence of Spain are matters of vital concern to this country?

I have nothing to add to the statement on the subject of the policy of non-intervention which I made in the course of last Friday's Debate.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to persist, in face of the declaration by the head of the Italian Government that he intends to pursue his intervention on behalf of General Franco to a victorious conclusion?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make as to the future working of the Spanish Non-Intervention Agreement?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement which I made in the course of last Friday's Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any plan is before the Non-Intervention Committee for preventing the passage of foreign military aircraft to Spain?

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, this question has been under constant examination. He will also be aware of the extreme complexity of the problem. I regret to state that, up to now, no solution has been found, but His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of this subject and the right hon. Gentleman may rest assured that they will do everything in their power to secure a solution.

In view of the decisive ressults which have been obtained by the intervention of foreign military aircraft recently, are the Government of opinion that non-intervention exists at all as long as foreign military aircraft are permitted to come to Spain?

I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that it has been frequently stated how unsatisfactory this aircraft procedure was.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement of Herr Hitler that he intends to proceed in order to get the iron ore from Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any further information concerning the alleged recent landing of Italian troops at: Malaga and elsewhere?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on 24th June, to which I have nothing to add.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information regarding the Spanish Government's statement that over 8,000 Italian troops sailed on 24th June from Civita Vecchia to Spain?

I think that is covered by my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give particulars of the latest reports received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Loanda on the economic conditions in Angola, with special reference to the system of forced labour for private profit that is in operation in that country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the report on economic conditions in Angola for the year 1936 by His Majesty's Consul-General at Loanda which has been published. I have received no recent reports on the subject referred to in the second part of the question.

Will the Minister ask for a further report with regard to this matter?

I think we must wait.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fall of Bilbao and the speed with which normal conditions are being restored in that city, he is in a position to state whether arrangements are now being made for the early return to Bilbao of the Basque refugee children in this country?

I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject at present.

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been called to the fact that it is the one desire of these children to return to their homes in Bilbao as soon as possible?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the parents might be subjected to ill-treatment or even to death if they expressed their real opinions of the suitability of the conditions in Bilbao for the return of their children?

Are not the homes of many of these children destroyed and their parents refugees?

Are not their parents either dead or in flight to Santander, and can there be any question of sending these children back to their parents?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that the British Consul shall now return to his post at Bilbao; and whether, in that case, he can be instructed to make inquiries whether any parents of children now in this country are prepared to receive these children back?

The question of consular representation of Bilbao is at present under consideration. I am, therefore, at present not in a position to give a reply to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question.

Now that the tide of war has swept past Bilbao, does not common humanity dictate that these children should be restored to their parents?

What does General Franco know about common humanity?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any of the Basque children now in this country are in possession of a passport or other documents establishing their identity; and whether he is satisfied that there will be no difficulty in repatriating these children in consequence of any omission as regards proper identification papers?

I would refer to the reply given on the 24th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Mr. C. S. Taylor). The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, arising out of this and other questions, he can take some steps to discourage this campaign against these poor little children?

On a point of Order. Has the right hon. Gentleman the faintest justification for making a charge of this description against those of us whose sole object is to get these young persons back to their own country as quickly as possible?

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why it is that Catholic Members of this House are so anxious to get these children back?

asked the Minister of Pensions the figures of the number of applications made under the special arrangements for dealing with cases when more than seven years have elapsed since discharge from the service after the Great War; and how many have been successful?

I would refer the hon. Member to the particulars which I gave in reply to questions on the same point on the 14th April and the 8th of the present month, of which I am sending him copies.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the ex-service men are of opinion that the concession granted by the Government over the seven years is no good at all to them, because very few are succeeding?

If the hon. Member will study the replies I have given, he will see that that question is quite unfounded.

Is not this one of the principal reasons for the difficulties we are now experiencing in recruiting?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give the House any information in connection with an accident to a man who is employed by the Office of Works at the House of Commons, what was the cause of the accident, and any further information about the matter?

The accident occurred on the afternoon of 18th June, when the workman, who was employed by my Deportment as a hot-water fitter, was found lying unconscious on the floor of the pantry attached to the House of Commons kitchen. He was removed to Westminster Hospital, where he died the following morning. At the inquest, the post-mortem examination revealed that he had died from a fracture at the base of the skull, and that he had suffered from a form of arterial disease which might have caused giddiness. He had apparently fallen and struck his head, either against a table or on the floor, and the coroner accordingly found that his death was due to accidental causes.

Will compensation be paid to the relatives in this case?

The claim is being handled by the man's union, and the matter is being investigated.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what sum has been realised from the sale to the public of Coronation chairs, stools, and decorations by his Department?

Final figures are not available, but the estimated amount to be realised from the sale to the public of Coronation chairs, stools, decorations, etc., is £15,000.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain Members of this House have paid for some of these chairs, but have not yet received them; and can he say when they will be delivered?

As soon as possible.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what sum was realised from the sale of seats provided by his Department for the purpose of viewing the Coronation procession; and what balance of the cost remains to be met from public funds?

The receipts from the sale of seats on the stands erected by my Department amounted approximately to £76,000. Final figures are not yet available, but the balance of costs to be met from public funds is estimated at £45,000.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what diminution, if any, in the use of raw coal has been made in Government offices in Whitehall during the previous 12 months and when it is expected that the complete elimination of atmospheric pollution from this, source will be achieved?

Raw bituminous coal represents 20 per cent. of the total amount of fuel consumed by Government offices in Whitehall, and there has been no material diminution in the use of this coal during the last 12 months. The extension of central heating is tending to eliminate atmospheric pollution by gradually reducing the number of open fireplaces, and smokeless fuel is used in these fireplaces whenever local circumstances make it possible without an undue increase in cost, but I regret that I am unable to forecast the date at which the elimination of atmospheric pollution from the use of raw bituminous coal will be achieved.

Does not the Minister see the absurdity of his Department being employed in cleansing the fabric of the Parliament building and of Westminster Abbey, while at the same time this smoke nuisance continues from offices which come under his Department?

Smokeless fuel is used wherever the local circumstances permit, as long as it does not involve an unreasonable increase of cost.

Would there be any difficulty in installing gas fires for use during the winter?

I should like notice, of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the report, published on 27th May, 1937, of the committee appointed by the Governor of Hong Kong to investigate the present and future financial position of Hong Kong University and to inquire and advise whether any changes are desirable in the interest of utility or prestige; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received copies of the report, which is at present under consideration by the Hong Kong Government and by the Council of the University. I propose to await the Governor's and the Council's considered recommendations, which I expect to receive in due course, before coming to any decisions in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give with regard to the recent disturbances in Trinidad?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement as to recent events in Trinidad and the present position there?

I apologise for the length of this reply. From information received from the Governor it appears that there has been for some time unrest among the employés on the oil-fields due to the rise in the cost of living. On Saturday, 19th June, a sudden strike began among the workers in the oil-fields. Violent speeches were made, and on the police attempting to arrest the ringleader under a warrant at Fyzabad in the oil area in the south of the island, riots broke out and two policemen were shot dead by the rioters. The Governor immediately asked for a cruiser to be sent to the island. On Monday, 21st June, the strikes spread and became very serious, the trouble tending to develop on racial lines. Women and children were brought into Port of Spain under protection and the Governor asked for a second warship. Further violence and rioting occurred on the oilfields, including an attack on the San Fernando Telephone Exchange. The strikes spread northward to the sugar areas and to Port of Spain on 22nd June. Some 350 special constables of all races were enrolled, and there were many more volunteers. His Majesty's Ship "Ajax" arrived on the same day and platoons from the ship were posted at various points, and the situation was generally got under control.

On 23rd June the Governor reported that trouble had occurred at Rio Clara in the south-west of the island, where the rioters fired at the police, wounding three. The police returned the fire and four rioters were killed. His Majesty's Ship "Exeter" reached Trinidad on the 23rd, and platoons were posted at strategic points. The naval reinforcement was invaluable in restoring public confidence and in affording rest to the local forces, and the situation improved generally. The Governor then issued a proclamation in which he urged that the strikers should resume work without delay and promising that as soon as work had been resumed the Government would take all the steps in its power to promote a settlement fair to employers and employed alike. The latest information received from the Governor indicates that the situation though tense, is again quiet throughout Trinidad, but that there has been no return to work.

The Governor has appointed a committee of the Executive Council for the purpose of bringing employers and employed together and making recommendations to him for a settlement, and has appealed to both sides to refer their differences to it. This committee has already taken steps to establish personal contact with the disputants, and it has reported optimistically to the Governor who states that he is convinced that the majority of the strikers sincerely desire to return to work. Information has reached me to the effect that a statement has been made that His Majesty's Ship "Exeter" brought regular troops from Bermuda to Trinidad. There is no truth in this statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Governor now has sufficient forces at his disposal to control the situation?

Two warships have been sent with marines who have been landed but no regular troops have been sent. I hope we shall not have any further incidents of violence and that the dispute will be settled without the necessity for sending Army troops.

Have these workmen any facilities for representation through trade unions and, if not, what facilities are afforded them to provide themselves with some spokesman to conduct negotiations with the employers?

Certainly, I understand there are some organisations of the workers in Trinidad. It may be, as the strike has spread, that there are groups of other workers and stevedores who may not be organised.

Do we understand from the answer that it is always lawful to kill strikers?

I would point out that the first people to be killed were two unfortunate policemen, killed by strikers.

Will there be an investigation into the grievances of the strikers, and are we to understand that, while disputes are pending, peaceful picketing is definitely prohibited?

Certainly, in view of the violence that has taken place, all forms of picketing will be prohibited. There will certainly have to be an inquiry when this is over into all the circumstances.

The Minister certainly indicated one of the causes of the trouble in Trinidad and surrounding areas, namely, the rising cost of living. Independent of that, there are——

The hon. Member cannot make a speech.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, for each of the years 1931 to 1936, inclusive, the average number of unemployed persons in Scotland, showing those in receipt of unemployment benefit and public assistance, respectively, in each of the said years; and what were the corresponding figures for Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and Belgium, respectively, for these years.

As the reply includes tables of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Where does Scotland stand with regard to unemployment in relation to the other countries mentioned?

If the hon. Member will read the series of statements that I am circulating, he will be able to deduce something which will help him to answer this rather complicated question.

asked the Secretary for Mines when his Department made the last investigation into the amount of overtime worked in the coal mines of Great Britain; and whether he proposes any further investigations?

The last special investigation into the working of overtime was held in Scotland in 1935. Following upon this inquiry, I appointed a special inspector to devote his whole time to this question. He has hitherto been stationed in Scotland, but his services are available in other districts if and when circumstances require them. In addition to this, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the question of overtime working receives the constant attention of His Majesty's inspectors as a whole. Investigations at individual pits are constantly taking place, and from time to time I call for reports of a more general nature.

Has that special officer made any investigation into the amount of overtime working in England as well as Scotland?

I have said he has hitherto been in Scotland. The matter is constantly under my attention. If the hon. Member has any places that he would like looked into, perhaps he will let me know.

That is not answering my question. Has he made any investigation into any district in England and Wales?

I have already answered that question. I say he has been stationed in Scotland up to now.

Does not the Minister consider it is time he was having another investigation, seeing that the last investigation in Scotland was in 1935? Was it not the intention of the Mines Department to go on making investigations in each district?

I do not think it was the intention to have them held everywhere. I am prepared to have investigation made when I have some reason to think there is sufficient cause for it. At present I have not had that.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a good deal of this overtime is due to a wrong interpretation being placed on the emergency clause, and will not the Department get down to that fact?

Has there been any report issued for Scotland, and has there been any considerable decrease in the amount of overtime worked?

I do not know about decrease in the amount of overtime, but there has been a very great decrease in the number of complaints to my Department on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his Department has any information to give to the House about the change adopted recently by the Amateur Rowing Association in its rules regarding amateur status; and whether it is proposed to enter into consultations with this association relative to the physical fitness campaign?

I have been informed that resolutions have been passed by the committee of the Amateur Rowing Association and the stewards of the Henley Royal Regatta amending the amateur definition so as to omit the disqualification of persons engaged in manual occupations. I understand that the National Advisory Council will be very glad to consider, in consultation with the association, what steps can be taken to encourage this form of sport in connection with the Government's scheme.

Is the Minister aware that this very desirable change is largely due to the efforts of the senior Member for Cambridge University (Sir J. Withers), and will he convey to the hon. Member the gratitude of those taking part in this sport?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a sum of £5,042 19s. 9d. which is due to the legal representative of the late Mr. William Dick, Greenock, and for which a cheque was issued by the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office on 9th July, 1936, has not yet been paid; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave him on 26th January last, to which I cannot at present add anything.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the withholding of this money is a serious disadvantage to the individual concerned, and to the Newfoundland interests that are involved, while at the same time the withholding of the money confers no benefit on the Clearing House?

I am aware of the circumstances of the case, but the hon. and learned Member will recollect that no further payments can be made until a further order is made.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to when that further order may be forthcoming?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman can give an indication when Spain will be in a more settled condition.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended to present a report to Parliament upon the work of the Special Areas Reconstruction Association; and, if so, when the report will be ready for publication?

I have given the House information from time to time on the association's activities and, as the hon. Member knows, there is an annual Vote for the grant to the association. I do not consider that a formal report would be appropriate.

Since it is more than 12 months since the organisation was first set up, will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of asking the representatives of this board to present a formal report to Members of the House, so that we may be better able to estimate the value of the work which is being done by them?

As the hon. Member knows, I gave a considerable amount of information a few days ago in the form of a table, which I circulated in the OFFICAL REPORT. I do not think this is an appropriate matter for a formal report, hut the work of the association can be discussed when the Vote comes up in Parliament. I will certainly take into consideration anything that the hon. Member says on this subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is in a position to say what is the total amount paid in Poor Law relief to those who are getting the old age pension; and what further sum would have to be added to this to increase the present 10s. a week to 15s. to all old age pensioners?

Information as to the total amount of public assistance paid to old age pensioners is not available, but 90 per cent. of the old age pension population is not in receipt of public assistance and the annual cost of an increase of 5s. per week in the case of these pensioners alone may be estimated at £30,000,000.

May I ask through you, Mr. Speaker, that this information should be given, as the question of old age pensions is becoming a live question now, and it is necessary to get to know what is being paid to old age pensioners in the way of relief, so that we may have some idea of what it costs?

The question affected two Departments and I thought that it would be convenient for me to reply because the latter part affected me. If the hon. Member wishes to follow up the matter, the question of public assistance is a subject for the Minister of Health.

Has the Financial Secretary made any inquiry into the actual cost of increasing old age pensions, taking into account what would be saved in other directions?

That is a separate matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to have official conversations with the German Foreign Minister during his visit to this country; and, if so, whether he will give an assurance that no understanding will be arrived at which would in any way give support to a policy which would weaken the present position of Czechslovakia in relation to Germany?