asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the present strength of the Royal Air Force in India?

I would refer the hon. Member to page 277 of the Indian Defence Services Budget Estimates for 1937–38, a copy of which will be found in the Library of the House, from which he will see that provision has been made for a strength of 250 officers and 1,884 airmen.

Can the Under-Secretary of State say whether any early increase is contemplated?

Not that I know of.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many proceedings have been taken recently against members of the All-India Congress Committee, and the nature of their alleged offences?

I have received no information of any such proceedings.

Will the Under-Secretary make an investigation in respect of this matter?

I regret that I can make no inquiries. Any such proceedings would be taken at the discretion of the Provincial Governments, and therefore, in view of the Prime Minister's statement, I cannot undertake to make inquiries.

Are we to take it that we shall never get any information with regard to proceedings against members of the All-India Congress Committee?

Not in cases where it is a provincial matter, where authority has been given to the Provincial Governments.

Have we not given home rule to India? Why should we now interfere?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the recommendations of the Esher Committee, the Innes Committee, and the Hezeltine Committee have been fully carried into effect; and whether the Government of India have received representations concerning the grievances of Civil servants at Simla?

The recommendations of the committees mentioned were very numerous and dealt with a variety of matters. Not all of them were accepted, and I am afraid that it is not possible for me within the limits of an Oral Answer to deal adequately with the subject. If the hon. Member will give me some indication of the particular subjects on which he desires information I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what specific proposals there are at present before the Non-Intervention Committee for securing withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain and the effective functioning of the commission of control; and are these proposals supported by the German and Italian Governments;

(2) what decisions have been arrived at by the Non-Intervention Committee regarding the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain and the functioning of the commission of control?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present position with regard to maintaining the effectiveness of the naval control off the coast of Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with reference to General Franco's request for the recognition of belligerency, it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government that no immediate change is contemplated?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made by the Non-Intervention Committee towards agreement for the general withdrawal of non-Spanish nationals from the theatre of the Spanish civil war?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the Government's present policy in the matter of the Spanish civil war; in particular, is the naval patrol to be continued and by what Powers; are the observers in Portugal to be permitted to resume their duties; are belligerent rights to be accorded; and, in general, are the Government still of opinion that the principle of Non-Intervention can be made effective?

As the House is aware, the Chairman's Sub-Committee of the Non-Intervention Committee met on Friday morning. At the outset of this meeting, Lord Plymouth renewed, on behalf of the United Kingdom and French Governments, their offer to take over the naval observation of the whole of the Spanish coast on the lines that had already been indicated. The German and Italian representatives then stated that, while their Governments were still unable to regard the Anglo-French proposals for filling the gap in the naval patrol as a satisfactory solution of the problem, they had had under consideration the question of finding new methods of rendering nonintervention as effective as possible. With this aim in view, the German and Italian Governments wished to submit certain proposals to the Committee. These proposals were, briefly, that all interested Powers should agree to recognise the possession by both parties in the Spanish conflict of belligerent rights: that the international system of naval patrol should be abandoned: and that the rest of the present system of supervision by land and sea should be maintained.

These proposals formed the subject of a general discussion in the sub-committee. The Belgian, Czechoslovak, Swedish and Russian representatives expressed their support of the Anglo-French proposals, and the United Kingdom representative repeated that these proposals were still maintained. The Portuguese representative considered that the wisest course would be that the committee should adjourn to enable the chairman to discuss with the representatives of the four Powers concerned the possibility of devising some method of dealing with the situation on which agreement could be secured to renew full collaboration between the four Powers. Lord Plymouth made it clear that the scheme of supervision of the Spanish coast would be deprived of an essential element if the system of naval observation were eliminated. He added that a proposal such as that made by the German and Italian Governments to continue non-intervention without a complete scheme of supervision and to grant belligerent rights to the two Spanish parties was not acceptable to His Majesty's Government. The grant of belligerent rights could not be regarded as a substitute for a complete supervision scheme.

The sub-committee finally decided that the two sets of proposals should be communicated to all the representatives on the full committee, with a view to the situation being considered at a plenary session to be held this week. In the meantime the question of the withdrawal of foreign combatants is still before the committee, and it is the earnest hope of His Majesty's Government that it may be possible to proceed further with the discussion of this subject at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when that plenary meeting will take place, in view of the danger of the position in which the French frontier remains under control, whereas the Portuguese frontier is open, and there is an absence of any control over the sea coast of the Mediterranean?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give an indication of the date. The House will appreciate that there are many considerations to be borne in mind before a date is fixed. I would not like the House to assume that conditions on the Portuguese frontier are not satisfactory, though I do agree that the sea position has to be remedied as soon as possible.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the present position of the German and Italian warships off that coast, and whether we have any warships in that area?

So far as I am aware there are at present no German warships at all in the Mediterranean.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the position is that this gap on the east coast of Spain where the German and Italian ships were stationed has not been filled, and that elsewhere around the rest of the coast of Spain control is in full operation?

Yes, that is so.

May I ask the Foreign Secretary whether there is not a complete suspension of observation on the Portuguese frontier at the present moment, and until some arrangement is arrived at it is open for the transmission of arms to the parties there?

Yes, it is quite true that there is no observation, but it is also true that the Decree under which the observers were keeping watch remains in force, and, therefore, I should not like the House to assume that the frontier has been opened to traffic. I do not think it would be fair to make that assumption.

Does not the whole history of this affair show that the mere passing of decrees and signing of treaties is useless unless all the parties carry them out?

I would ask the House to draw a distinction on this matter with respect to the Portuguese Government.

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend previously stated that recognition of belligerent rights is not incompatible with a policy of non-intervention, can he tell us whether, as a compromise, the Committee have considered the possibility of granting belligerent rights, not as an alternative, but in addition to a system of arms control?

I cannot debate these matters now, but the House will be aware that there are special circumstances in relation to the present situation. One of them is the presence of large numbers of non-Spanish nationals on this coast.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to-morrow to state when the plenary meeting will take place?

I cannot give any undertaking, because it means consultation with other Governments.

How long are the Government willing to permit one sided nonintervention to continue?

Is the coast of the Spanish Government at the present moment open to ships of all kinds to go in?

Yes, Sir, that is so, except so far as the scheme by which the ships have to submit to certain rules remains in force.

Does not the granting of belligerent rights mean granting belligerent rights to Germany and Italy?

Could the Foreign Secretary say whether all the parties to the non-intervention scheme, with the exception of Germany, Italy and Portugal, support the British-French proposals?

I cannot say what the full Committee will do, but the Portuguese Government did not oppose the Anglo-French proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the assurance given to the Non-Intervention Committee by the Italian representative that no Italian volunteers have left Italy for Spain since the ban was agreed upon, he will inquire whether similar assurances can be given concerning the despatch of regular troops from Italy, of Italians who have become naturalised Spaniards before leaving Italy, and of Arab troops from Libya?

I understand that the Non-Intervention Board have no evidence of foreign nationals having arrived in Spain from any quarter since the ban was agreed upon.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in Rome as to whether Italian subjects are recruited at the Mussolini Baracks in Rome, naturalised as Spanish subjects, then sent to Naples and shipped to Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action has been taken by the British Government, and with what result, as to the shooting by Spanish Government forces at Bilbao, on 16th June, of a British subject, Miss Bridget Boland, an Irish lady who was a governess to a Spanish family in Bilbao?

I understand that the Irish Free State Government are making inquiries into this matter.

Do not the British Government recognise their responsibility for the safety of British citizens from whatever part of the Empire they may come?

Yes, Sir, but I understand that the Irish Free State are represented in Spain, and are therefore able to look after the matter themselves.

But what power have the Irish Free State behind them? None whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the evacuation of women, children, and old men from the Basque country has been impeded by the reluctance of the French Government to increase the heavy expenditure they have already incurred in receiving into France nearly 30,000 Spanish refugees, of whom many thousands are being maintained at the French Government's expense, he will recommend and, if necessary, obtain legislative sanction for some grant from public funds to aid in the evacuation, transit, and maintenance of Basque refugee women, children, and old men, whether in this or some other country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Lieut.-Commander Tufnell) on 3rd March, in which I explained fully the conditions under which His Majesty's Government were prepared to contribute towards the relief of Spanish non-combatants. The offer of His Majesty's Government to play their part in such humanitarian work under these conditions still holds good. As regards the question of the maintenance of further Basque refugees, I am informed that the French Government are prepared to allow Basque women, children and men of non-military age to pass in transit through France to other parts of Spain. This solution of the problem appears to possess the advantage that it does not involve the maintenance of Spanish refugees outside Spain.

Is it not a fact that the reply on 3rd March referred to negotiations with the Spanish Government, and in view of the tremendous burden now placed upon the Basques by the presence of vast numbers of refugees, would not His Majesty's Government consider giving some financial aid—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—in view of the fact that those Basques who have been brought to this country are being maintained wholly by private subscribers?

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that it would be better to give a public grant to provide sufficient milk for our own school-children, a policy of which the hon. Lady is an ardent supporter, before providing for children from other countries?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that, if any more Spanish children are brought into this country, all women in this country who have no children shall be compelled to adopt half a dozen?

May I have an answer to my question?

And an extra £200 a year to bring them up?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any recent reports as to the present position in Majorca and Minorca; and whether he can give any information on the subject?

I receive regular reports from the British Consul at Palma, but they do not call for any special comment. I have no information as to the situation in Minorca.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Majorca still remains practically an Italian base, or have the Italian forces been withdrawn since the assurance given by the Italian Govern- ment to His Majesty's Government some time ago?

I can make no statement on that, but His Majesty's Government's position about the territorial integrity of Spain has been clearly expressed again recently.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that General Aircraft, Limited, of Croydon, has been informed that export licences for the supply of Monospar air-ambulances to the Basque Government cannot be allowed; and whether, in view of the terms of Article 18 of the Geneva Convention of 1929, he will now reconsider this decision?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the replies given to certain inquiries, which were not supported by evidence that the aircraft in question were in fact destined for Red Cross use. Any application for an export licence for ambulance aircraft for Spain supported by an approved Red Cross organisation will certainly be sympathetically considered.

Is it not the case that the Red Cross organisation is not working in Spain; and would it not suffice if the application were supported by some recognised organisation that was working in Spain?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have already given. If it were an approved Red Cross organisation, the matter would be sympathetically considered.

May I press the point that the Red Cross organisation has declined to work in Spain? Is it fair to deprive the Basque Government of these ambulances if the Red Cross organisation refuses to work in Spain and has nothing in Spain? Neither the international Red Cross nor the British Red Cross has a single ambulance in Spain.

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "approved Red Cross organisation" for this purpose?

As far as I am aware none of the applications received have been from organisations that could be classed as approved Red Cross organisations.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean to say that if he considers the organisation making the application is not an approved Red Cross organisation, for this purpose, he then declines to allow these ambulances to be supplied to Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when each of the present British Government directors on the board of the Suez Canal Company were appointed; the number of meetings that have been held by this board during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date and the remuneration received by them during this period; and by what means communications pass between these directors and the Government?

The dates requested in the first part of the hon. Member's question are 28th January, 1920, 4th December, 1922, and 30th September, 1926, respectively. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the board meets once a month, or more often if occasion requires. My information is that the sum distributed to the whole board of 32 directors for the year 1936 was 12,515,800 French francs. As regards the third part, official communications between the British Government directors and His Majesty's Government take the form of despatches addressed by them to my Department in the customary form.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for how long these appointments are made?

Not without notice.

Are there any vacancies on this board?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many countries, members of the League of Nations, still refuse the diplomatic recognition of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

According to the information in my possession, the number of foreign countries, members of the League of Nations, which refuse diplomatic recognition to the Soviet Union, is 25.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the reason for refusing recognition in every case is the subversive propaganda which is carried on by Soviet Russia whenever diplomatic recognition is granted?

I can only answer for His Majesty's Government, and not for the 25 members of the League.

In view of the fact that all these countries are members of the League of Nations, would His Majesty's Government consider whether they could take any action through the League of Nations Council?

There is another question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Third International is still spending large sums of money in Great Britain on subversive propaganda of every kind; and, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government now hold the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics responsible for the actions of the Third International, will he now take vigorous steps to induce them to refrain from this violation of their undertakings?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on 23rd June to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Central Newcastle-on-Tyne (Mr. Denville).

Can I have an answer to the question as to whether the Soviet Government are held responsible for the actions of the Third International; and whether in view of the body of opinion in the League of Nations Council, and the evidence in this country of Soviet propaganda, the right hon. Gentleman will take any action which will put a stop to this violation of their undertakings?

The hon. and gallant Member talks of evidence. If he has any evidence and will submit it to me, I will consider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Under-Secretary in a reply to me admitted that there was evidence?

If the hon. and gallant Member gets this information and submits it to the right hon. Gentleman, will he also submit it to me?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the negotiations which took place before the Franco-Soviet alliance was entered upon; and whether Great Britain was consulted or not?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Command Paper No. 5143 of 1936, and, in particular, to document No. 59 of that publication which summarises in convenient form the history of the negotiations in question. His Majesty's Government were kept generally informed of the progress of the negotiations.

In view of the fact that the Soviet subversive propaganda is a more formidable weapon than the Soviet army, and that this more formidable machine would be enabled to operate with special facility were this country an ally during a war, will my right hon. Friend represent to the French Government any treaty exposing us to such risks is viewed with grave concern by this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a German propaganda leaflet now being distributed in this country purporting to be part of a radio address by one Roland E. Strunk, a German Press correspondent, issued by the Fichte Association, Fichte Bund, printed in Hamburg and marked "No. 942, English"; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have read the leaflet of which the hon. Member was good enough to send me a copy, but I do not consider that it calls for any action on my part.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that literature of this kind makes it difficult to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the country, and ought not some action to be taken to prevent its importation?

The hon. Member will appreciate that the entry of propaganda into this country is not a matter for the Foreign Office. I am only concerned with whether or not the propaganda is directed against this country.

Is it not directed against a friendly nation, and therefore calls for some action?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the temporary commercial agreement between Great Britain and the Russian Soviet Government of 16th February, 1934, has proved in many ways unsatisfactory, and that the supplementary agreement for a financial credit of £10,000,000 in connection with trade between Great Britain and Russia will terminate on 30th September next, notice will now be given to abrogate the temporary agreement with the object of entering into a permanent treaty of commerce and navigation in which proper provision could be made for settling all outstanding differences which at present retard the growth of trade between the two countries, including the question of claims of British nationals and the granting of a long-term loan for the purchase of British manufactures over a period of years, in place of any renewal of the short-term financial credit agreement?

His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the desirability of concluding a permanent treaty as soon as there is any prospect of the conditions laid down for its conclusion being satisfied. Among these conditions, as has frequently been stated, His Majesty's Government attach great importance to a satisfactory solution of the claims of British creditors. I can assure my hon. Friend that the whole position will be kept carefully under review.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, do the Government recognise that a series of temporary agreements extending over a period of years is something in the nature of a permanent agreement, which it was promised by the British Government would not be entered into until these debts, to Britain have been dealt with?

I see the point of my hon. Friend's contention, but I would not like to deal at Question Time with the difference between the temporary and permanent character of these agreements.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department who is responsible for the fashion display in the British pavilion at the Paris Exhibition; and whether he will give instructions for the removal of an exhibit which falls far short of the high standards expected by British people to be shown as representative of our workmanship?

Acting on the recommendation of the Gorell Committee of 1932, His Majesty's Government invited the Council for Art and Industry to co-operate on this occasion. At the request of the Government, the Council undertook responsibility for the design of the United Kingdom Pavilion; for the selection of exhibits in this country, and for their arrangement and display in Paris. I am informed by the Chairman of the Council, who has just returned from Paris, that, owing to a necessity to alter the settings for the dress section at a late date, it is recognised that this section falls behind the general standard of display, and that steps are already being taken to alter the settings with a view to the adequate display of the articles selected.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that statement, which will cause great satisfaction to many visitors to the Paris Exhibition, may we have an assurance that if we take part in any further exhibitions in future, we shall not have to make an alteration in the goods supplied by this country at which foreigners go to look?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will assure the House that, in the new legislation contemplated, the object of Government policy is to be the development of British film production in Great Britain rather than the development of American film production in Great Britain?

The object of the proposed legislation will be to encourage the production in Great Britain of films which conform to certain statutory requirements designed to ensure that they are preponderantly of British origin.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that American film producers are organising themselves in such a way that American films will be produced in this country but with the employment of very little British labour?

If that were the case, they would not conform to the statutory requirements necessary for the renters' quota, and would not count.

If I send my right hon. and gallant Friend the information at my disposal, will he look into the situation?

I shall be delighted to do so.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also take steps to prevent the continued exploitation of the British film industry by certain financial interests in this country?

That is a different question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to see that all British manufacturers who use steel are fully supplied before they sanction the export of any steel?

My right hon. Friend fully appreciates the importance of securing adequate supplies to British manufacturers who use steel, and every effort is being made to ensure that the requirements of steel users in this country are met; but he is satisfied that it would not in the long run be in the interest of British trade to place restrictions upon exports.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether any system of rationing steel, according to the needs of users, is under the consideration of the Government?

Perhaps my hon. and learned Friend would put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the names of the countries to which we are bound by treaty obligations to permit the purchase of arms or munitions from this country?

The annexure to the Treaty of Alliance between the United Kingdom and Iraq of 30th June, 1930, provides that His Majesty's Government undertake to grant, whenever they may be required by His Majesty the King of Iraq, all possible facilities, inter alia, in the matter of the provision of arms, ammunition, equipment, ships and aeroplanes of the latest available pattern for the forces of His Majesty the King of Iraq. As recorded in a Note attached to the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of Alliance of 26th August, 1936, His Majesty's Government undertake to use their good offices to facilitate the supply of such armament and equipment from the United Kingdom at prices similar to those which would be paid by His Majesty's Government whenever the Egyptian Government so desire. By notes exchanged with the Government of Saudi Arabia on 20th May, 1927, and 3rd October, 1936, His Majesty's Government have stated that if the Government of Saudi Arabia should place orders for arms, ammunition and war material with British manufacturers His Majesty's Government will not, subject to the regulations in force in the United Kingdom at the time of exportation, prevent the export thereof or place any obstacle to their importation into Saudi Arabia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make respecting conditions in Czechoslovakia; whether he is aware of propaganda designed to disintegrate that State; and whether the alleged grievances of minorities are likely to be considered by the League of Nations at an early date?

I have no general statement to make regarding conditions in Czechoslovakia. As regards the second part of the question, no State, so far as I am aware, is wholly immune from propaganda designed to disintegrate it either from within or without. A minorities petition from members of the Sudetendeutsch party in Czechoslovakia came before the appropriate organ of the League of Nations last autumn, but the matter was closed, after careful examination, in May last. So far as I am aware, no other petition dealing with the position of minorities in Czechoslovakia is at present before the League, but it is always possible for the general question of minorities to be discussed at the Assembly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a body styling itself the Slovak Council has been sending propaganda to this country regarding Czechoslovakia, and, in view of that fact, can he inform the House as to the status of this particular body?

I was not aware of it. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to give me particulars.

Are the Government responsible for all forms of propaganda?

Is it not well known that the minorities of Czechoslovakia are much more considerately treated than any other minorities in Europe?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the proposed Anglo-Japanese negotiations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on this subject during the Debate on 25th June. I am not at present in a position to add anything to that statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make some statement before 30th July, 1937, as to the amount of contributions that producer-retailers licensed by the Milk Marketing Board will be required to make under the scheme?

I hope to be in a position to lay before the House this month, draft amendments of the Milk Marketing Scheme, one of which will provide for a revised basis of assessment of producer-retailer contributions.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will bear in mind now that what the farmer wants is 2½ per cent. long-term credit—not 5 per cent.?

That seems to me to be an entirely different question, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would put it on the Paper.

Why should the retailer have to contribute to this scheme when he gets no benefit? He sells to his own customers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of milk powder has been increased from 17s. 6d. per cwt. in June, 1936, to 25s. per cwt. in June, 1937, despite the fact that the factories are not paying the Milk Marketing Board a higher price for milk; and what steps he intends to take to deal with the situation?

I am aware that during the period referred to the price of milk powder has risen, but it is not the case that the prices of milk sold for manufacture have remained unchanged. Since October last, such prices have ranged between 5½d. and 6¾d. per gallon; the price from June to September, 1936, was 4½d. per gallon.

Is it not a fact that the milk marketing scheme benefits the processors and the distributors, but not the farmers?

No, Sir, I should not accept that general statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he will make a statement of Government policy in relation to the poultry industry?

I am not in a position to say when it will be possible for me to make a statement on this subject.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is much disappointment with him and the Government which he represents about the policy on this subject not being stated before now, and may we have generally an indication of whether there will be a statement before the Recess?

One uncertain factor in the matter is that there is an application before the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increased duty on eggs in shells. Until the report of that committee has been received, it is not possible to consider the matter in all its stages.

When may we expect it?

That depends on the committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of eggs has increased in this House this week?

I am aware that there has been an increase throughout the country.

Why does the poultry policy take such a long time to hatch? If it is much longer, it will be addled.

asked the Postmaster-General where it is proposed to build the Stoke-on-Trent new post office?

No decision on the situation of the Stoke-on-Trent new post office has yet been reached, but various possible sites are being considered.

Will the Postmaster-General consider the site recommended by the city council?

All suitable sites will be considered.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that lottery tickets are being transmitted to England through the mails from Continental countries; and whether the Post Office are taking any steps to stop the transmission of these communications through the post?

It is well known that the transmission of lottery material through the post in this country is not permitted. Such steps as are practicable are taken to prevent the post from being used for this purpose, but it would not be in the public interest to detail the measures taken.

Are advertisements for these Continental lotteries allowed to circulate?

That is a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank and the aggregate amount of their deposits at the 30th June, 1937, or the latest convenient date?

The number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank on 30th June, 1937, was approximately 10,500,000, and the aggregate amount of their deposits with accrued interest was £455,000,000.

Do these figures constitute a record?

Yes, and they represent an increase since 30th June last of 300,000 depositors and a total sum of £40,000,000 added to the deposits.

Does not that show that the people in this country have confidence in a national, rather than a private bank?

It shows that they have confidence in this Government.

asked the Postmaster-General what facilities are allowed by his Department to sub-postmasters to take annual leave; and what facilities his Department requires sub-postmasters to grant to their employés in the way of holidays?

A sub-postmaster is not required to render personal service and he is free to absent himself at any time for the purpose of a holiday, provided he makes satisfactory arrangements for the conduct of the office during his absence. As regards his assistants, a sub-postmaster is expected to grant conditions of service, including holidays, not less favourable than those of shop assistants of about the same standing in the service of good employers in the same district.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend consider it to be illogical for the Post Office not to grant holidays to sub-postmasters and at the same time to require sub-postmasters to treat their employés on the same standard as the best employers in the district?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read my answer, he will see the reason for the present arrangement.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of unemployed persons from the South-west Durham area now engaged on temporary work preparing the Team Valley trading estate; and the total number of unemployed from the same special area who are now permanently employed in factories on the same trading estate;

(2) the total number of unemployed persons who have been found work in the factories now opened at the Team Valley trading estate?

I cannot say how many of the 1,200 persons engaged in laying out the Team Valley Trading Estate have come from Southwest Durham. As regards the number of persons employed in the factories, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart) on 24th June.

Is the Minister aware that there are hundreds of people in South-West Durham who are 40 miles away from this trading estate, and who, therefore, cannot get work there?

May we have an answer? Is there no system whereby the exchanges from which the workers come to the Team Valley Estate are recorded? Is there no record of the places whence they come?

I understand there is no record of the actual places they which come.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the previous answer to which he referred, he was unable to state how many men were actually being employed in the factories on the trading estate; and why can he not supply those figures?

The hon. Gentleman is not correct. In the previous answer to which I referred, the exact number of workers was not given.

That is my point. Why is the hon. Gentleman unable to say how many workpeople are now engaged in these factories?

The work in the factories is of a preliminary nature. I can give no exact figures at the present time. When I have the exact figures, I shall give them to the hon. Gentleman.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask for information from the Employment Exchanges in the area as to how many men have gone from each exchange to this work? The information is available.

The expression "South Durham" is a very general one. I will certainly endeavour to get the information if it is in my power to do so.

Is not the term used "South-West Durham," and is not that well known in the Ministry of Labour by this time?

asked the Minister of Labour how many vacancies for work-people were filled by the Employment Exchanges in Liverpool during the year 1936; what were the proportions in terms of men, women, boys, and girls; and what were the numbers in respect to the Corporation of Liverpool?

The total number of vacancies filled through Employment Exchanges in Liverpool and Bootle during the year 1936 was 78,459, of which 41,905 were for men, 7,727 for boys, 17,743 for women and 11,084 for girls. I regret that separate statistics for corporation vacancies are not available.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that that is an exceedingly low number as regards the men, and cannot he take steps to increase it?

The exchanges always do their best to increase these numbers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the joint statement issued by President Roosevelt and the Belgian Prime Minister in relation to the work of rebuilding international trade co-operation in monetary matters and the reduction of armaments; and whether he will offer the co-operation of His Majesty's Government with a view to the summoning of a world conference or otherwise facilitating the attainment of such objectives?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my predecessor gave to him in reply to a question on 22nd April.

In view of the fact that the international situation is steadily deteriorating, does not the Prime Minister consider this to be an urgent matter, and will he not approach President Roosevelt with a view to assembling such a world conference?

It is rash to assume that you can solve the difficult problems in the world merely by calling a world conference. It must be preceded by very careful preparation.

Has the attention of the Prime Minister been drawn to an article in the journal "Foreign Affairs" by the economic adviser to the Secretary of State in Washington, in which he points out that the real obstacle to an agreement of this kind is the fixed margin of preference in the Ottawa Agreements; and are the Government prepared to deal with that obstacle?

No, Sir; I have not seen the article, and I do not agree with that conclusion.

Are the Government taking any preparatory steps to bring about such a conference, whether it is a world conference or a more limited one?

The Government have shown their willingness to co-operate for the purposes mentioned in the question, both in entering into the Tripartite Monetary Agreement and also, in conjunction with the French Government, in asking the Belgian Prime Minister to make a series of inquiries, about which I am hoping to hear from the Belgian Prime Minister himself this afternoon.

Is it not a fact that this country in the last five years has bought £350,000,000 worth more manufactured goods from America than America bought from us?

Will my right hon. Friend inform America that example is better than precept where tariffs are concerned?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information about a proposal that the Glamorgan County Council should acquire and work a quarry for road-stone; whether he is aware that ample supplies of granite for roads can be obtained from privately-owned quarries in England and Wales; and whether he can give particulars of any municipally-owned quarry which, after allowing for the full costs of management, transport and depreciation of machinery, is producing stone at less than contract prices?

I have been asked to reply. I understand the council have such a proposal in mind, but I have no details; the answer to the second part is in the affirmative. I have not available the particulars asked for in the third part, but where materials obtained by local authorities from their own quarries are used on grant-aided works, my right hon. Friend requires to be satisfied that the prices charged are reasonable.

Does not the Minister think that it is best to leave the internal affairs of Glamorgan county to the members of that area?

Is the Minister aware that the West Riding has a small quarry which has already brought the price of private stone down by 1s. 6d. per ton?

asked the Minister of Transport how many local authorities have made use of the apparatus mounted on motor-cycle and side-car combinations for measuring road-surface resistance to skidding; and whether, in view of the fact that slippery roads reduce the braking efficiency of cars, he will take steps to test roads, with or without the consent of the local authority, simultaneously with the testing of the braking efficiency of cars?

Tests have been made by means of this type of apparatus in the areas of 41 local authorities. It is not necessary to test the resistance to skidding of a road in order to determine whether the brakes of a vehicle are efficient.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will place in the Vote Office copies of the circular he proposes to issue to highway authorities on the subject of the duration of the amber light at light-controlled crossings?

I will gladly send my hon. Friend, and other Members who have asked for it, a copy of the circular when it is issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give consideration to the need for the organisation of parties from elementary schools to visit the science museums and the Royal Botanic Gardens; and will he arrange for each county to be allocated certain months each year to enable the children to visit in organised school parties?

The organisation of educational visits for children attending public elementary schools is a matter for the local education authorities for the schools concerned, but the authorities of the museums and gardens to which the hon. Member refers are glad at all times to facilitate such visits in every way possible to them. In this connection I would call the hon. Member's attention to the board's pamphlet "Museums and the Schools," of which I am sending him a copy. I should certainly be glad if still more could be done by local education authorities to familiarise school children with the nation's treasures housed in the various museums. I must point out, however, that considerations of distance and expense render visits to institutions in London difficult, if not impossible, for children from the more distant parts of England and Wales, and that there are very many admirable local museums scattered up and down the country. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's question, the allocation of fixed periods to particular areas would not be likely to serve any useful purpose, since visits of children to museums, to be of educational value, need to fit in with the curriculum of the schools concerned.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are no science museums in the country to be compared with the national museums in London, and is he aware of the education which could be derived from visits to these museums? In view of that, will he issue a circular to education authorities recommending that their scholars should be put on the same basis as the London scholars?

That is rather a big question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that taking children to museums gives them very bad headaches?

Will it be possible to make arrangements for parties of older school children to visit picture galleries on days other than public days?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many borough councils, county borough councils, and county councils, respectively, supplied free solid meals to school children in 1936?

During the year which ended on 31st March, 1937, free solid meals were provided for school children in England and Wales by nine county councils, 68 county borough councils, 49 borough councils and 15 urban district councils.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to consider the considerable disparity between the county borough figures and the county council figures, and do what he can to bring the county council policy into line with the county borough policy in this matter?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that there is difficulty in the scattered rural areas in dealing with this problem, but I am having a look at it.

Is not the small number of free school meals supplied due to the policy of the Government?

It has nothing whatever to do with the policy of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will review the sentence of six months hard labour, for failing to report as an alien, passed at Reading, on or about 31st May, on Hugo Nathan, aged 54, a German Jew and fugitive from the Nazi terror?

The sentence imposed on this person was imprisonment for six weeks, not six months. He arrived in this country on 11th December last and was allowed to land for a business visit of nine days. He failed to leave within the period authorised, and after his case had been carefully investigated was given a final warning in January that he must leave within a week. Instead of doing so he disappeared and it was not until 22nd May that he was found by the police at Reading. I see no ground for advising any remission of sentence.

Will the Secretary of State accept my regret for the unfortunate mistake I made?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the practice of Scotland Yard to interview some person or persons in connection with the production of every new magazine or periodical; if so, will he state the number of new periodicals or magazines that have started during the last 12 months; and how many persons were questioned concerning them?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that it is the practice to make inquiries of the kind referred to, but only if there are special reasons such as suggestions of libel, obscenity or sedition. No statistics are kept of the number of inquiries made in such circumstances or of the number of new periodicals, but I am informed that the number of inquiries is negligible compared with the number of new periodicals.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what Scotland Yard based their calculations when they sought information because a magazine organised by Indian students had been produced, and what special reason was there to feel that they were more seditious than other people?

The hon. Member's information is not entirely correct. What happened was that the police were informed that these individuals were starting a new movement and collecting money for it. In accordance with the usual police practice, they made inquiries, and during the inquiries one of the individuals concerned offered a police officer a copy of this periodical for him to look at.

Were not Scotland Yard aware that the Provincial Governments for many years subsidised the Indian student movement in this country to the extent of £800 per annum, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that that in itself indicated that they were a perfectly bona fide body to publish a magazine?

I think it was necessary, in view of the fact that these individuals were collecting money, that the police should inform themselves of the object for which the collection was being made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman start a magazine "Great Britain comes first"?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is the loss to the Treasury when a sum of £2,000,000 is expended on educational or charitable objects by equal instalments over a period of seven years by a person liable to pay Income Tax at the present rate and Super-tax at the maximum rate?

I presume the hon. Member has in mind an annual payment which, having regard to the provisions of Section 20 of the Finance Act, 1922, would be allowable as a deduction in computing an individual's total income for Income Tax purposes. The highest rate of Income Tax and Sur-tax combined is 13s. 3d. in the £ and there is a loss of Tax at that rate in so far as any annual payment to a charity is a deduction for Income Tax purposes from income chargeable at that rate, which, on the figures contained in the hon. Member's question, would amount to £1,325,000.

Does that mean that in such a gift a sum of something like £1,325,000 comes out of public funds, whereas only something like £675,000 instead of £2,000,000 comes out of the pockets of the alleged benefactor, say, to the University of Oxford?

I rather resent the suggestion in "alleged benefactor." When the benefaction is given, if only a portion of it comes from the man's retainable income, it must be regarded as such, but the hon. and learned Member can draw his own conclusions from the answer I have given.