asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House about the attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government's representative on the sub-committee of 10 when the resolution on air bombing was being considered at the last meeting of the League Assembly?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by the reference to the sub-committee of 10. I understand that it was not concerned with the resolution on air bombing. The representative of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on the Advisory Committee took the initiative in urging that the committee should express its view with regard to air bombing and voted for the committee's resolution on the subject, which was subsequently adopted by the Assembly.

Is it the fact that when that draft resolution was first submitted the British representative took exception to the word "Japan" being included in the resolution, and, if so, is that in conformity with the policy that is being pursued by the Foreign Secretary?

I understand that the hon. Gentleman is referring to what took place in a private committee. Whatever other people say about private committees, I do not propose to make a statement about them.

In view of what is going on in Japan and in Spain, does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any possibility of doing away with bombing altogether?

That is another question?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made by his Department to collect and assess the claims by British subjects in the international settlement in Shanghai for compensation for damage suffered by reason of the hostilities between China and Japan?

His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai has been instructed to receive and file such claims. They are examined and assessed by him so far as may be possible at the time and are amended subsequently if necessary. Preliminary lists are compiled and communicated to the local Chinese or Japanese officials and detailed statements are made out later for presentation by His Majesty's Government to the Governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the progress so far made in the Nine-Power negotiations at Brussels?

Yes, Sir; the position at the moment is that the conference, in a note the terms of which are published in this morning's Press, has invited the Japanese Government to let the conference know as quickly as possible whether the Imperial Government would be disposed to depute a representative or representatives to exchange views within the framework of the Nine-Power Treaty with representatives of a small number of Powers to be chosen for that purpose in order that the settlement of the present conflict may be facilitated.

Is there any time limit set for the Japanese answer?

Not in the conference resolution.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in consequence of the tri-partite Pact Japan will be prevented from attending the conference?

Are the United States to be included in the smaller group?

The composition of the small group is under discussion at the conference now. As at present arranged, I am returning to Brussels to-morrow morning for the purpose of taking part in the further stages of the conference.

asked the Secretary. of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement with regard to the rescue by British soldiers of Chinese refugees?

I have received no report from His Majesty's representatives in China on this subject, though I have seen references to it in Press messages from Shanghai.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what compensation is to be paid to the widow of Private McGowan, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, who was killed in Shanghai; and if any contribution is to be ma de by the Japanese Government towards the cost of same?

Private McGowan, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, did not leave a widow, but claims to compensation by certain other relatives are at present under examination by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. As I have already stated in the House, the Japanese Government have expressed readiness to make compensation in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Brazil has repudiated her contractual obligations four times on many millions of loans of British savings and has imposed default schemes on British creditors without their consent; will he appoint an official to represent British creditors in discussions about any new scheme of extended Brazilian default, as the houses who issued the Brazilian loans and the Council of Foreign Bondholders have failed to persuade Brazil to honour her obligations upon the loans in question?

As I stated in the answer which I gave my right hon. Friend on 12th July last, the position is that while His Majesty's Government are ready to give any help that is practicable, they would only be prepared to act if requested to do so by the authorised body, the Council of Foreign Bondholders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department has yet come to any conclusion regarding the identity of the aeroplane which bombed and sank the British steamer "Jean Weems"; and, if so, will he say what this conclusion is?

The aircraft concerned belonged to the insurgent forces. As a result of the representations which were made to the Salamanca authorities by His Majesty's Ambassador at Hendaye in connection with this incident, the former have undertaken to express their official regret and to give an assurance that orders will be given to their forces to take all possible precautions against further incidents of this nature. They have, furthermore, agreed, so far as liability and payment of compensation are concerned, to submit the case, if necessary, to arbitration and to abide by the result.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in addition to identifying the aeroplane, any investigations have been made as to the identity of the pilot, because he will know that I put a question on this matter as to the pilot last week?

Yes, Sir, I have given the House all the information in my possession, and I think the House will agree that, in unsatisfactory conditions, it is a satisfactory answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the attack was deliberate or accidental? May I press for an answer, Mr. Speaker?

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker. That is a matter of opinion.

Has the right hon. Gentleman in the process of making inquiries, ascertained whether, in fact, it was deliberate or accidental?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes me to express an opinion, perhaps he will be good enough to put down a question?

With a view to the prevention of cases of this kind, can any steps now be taken to prevent foreign volunteers sailing to Spain with munitions under the British flag?

That is another question, and I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the recent arrival of Italian troops in Spain from Spanish Morocco?

My attention was drawn to a rumour which was current during September of the arrival at Melilla of a considerable force of Italian troops en route for Spain. I gave instructions that inquiries into this rumour should be instituted on the spot; and received a report that it was without foundation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information in regard to the announcement made in wide sections of the Press that during two or three weeks recently Italian forces have arrived at Malaga from Libya?

That is another question.

Are not wide sections of the Press generally wrong in this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any information has been conveyed to the NonIntervention Committee as to the amount and value of munitions and foodstuffs exported by Germany and Italy to Spanish territory under the control of General Franco during the last 12 months; and whether, in the absence of such information, he will request the German and Italian Governments to supply it?

I understand that the NonIntervention Committee have received no definite statistics in regard to the supply of munitions by Germany and Italy to Spanish territory under the control of General Franco. I would point out that the export of foodstuffs to Spain does not come within the scope of the Non-Intervention Agreement. If the hon. Member wishes to know the published figures of Italian and German trade with Spain I will try and obtain them for him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how it is possible for the Non-Intervention Committee to assess the extent of the intervention in the absence of definite statistics, and will he be good enough to say why in a recent speech he used figures of exports from Soviet Russia to Republican Spain and failed to give comparable figures of exports from Germany and Italy to Spanish territory under General Franco?

What I gave were the figures made public by the Soviet Government. I am quite willing to obtain and make known the published figures of Germany and Italy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations have yet been started between representatives of His Majesty's Government and of General Franco for the purpose of establishing semi-consular representation of Great Britain in the territory now under the control of the latter; whether such representation is intended to be reciprocal; and whether it foreshadows any move towards de jure recognition of the Franco administration?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a trade agreement is being negotiated with the insurgent authorities in Spain; and, if so, whether such an agreement will include the exchange of consuls?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reason for the sudden withdrawal of the promise given by the Spanish insurgents that the British ships held by them should be released; whether this is connected with the recent sinking of the "Jean Weems"; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take about the matter, in view of the fact that after lengthy negotiations the ships now appear to be further from release than they were on 3rd November?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government were consulted concerning the decision to exchange agents with General Franco or were only informed of a decision to do so?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the date of the Government decision to appoint a representative to the Government of General Franco in Spain; and why the Government's intention to make this appointment was not disclosed to the House earlier?

Perhaps the hon. Members will he good enough to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of questions in answer to a private notice question asked by the right hon. Gentleman, the Leader of the Opposition.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a full statement on the Government's decision to enter upon negotiations for the appointment of agents by the Government and by General Franco respectively, for the discussion of questions affecting British nationals and commercial interests; indicating, if they have been appointed, who the British agents are to be; what their particular status will be; whether, in the event of these agents having occupied diplomatic posts in the past, these new appointments are to be regarded as reductions in status; whether the French Government or any other Government is taking similar action; and what steps, if any, are being taken to maintain like contacts within the territory held by the lawful Government of Spain?

In deference to the wish expressed by the Leader of the Opposition last Thursday, I will, with the permission of the House, make a fuller statement than is perhaps customary on such occasions.

In the Government's view the step which they now propose to take is essential for the proper protection of British commercial, industrial and financial interests in that part of Spain which is under the Control of General Franco. These territories include two-thirds of continental Spain and practically all her overseas territories. Without including the Canary Islands or the Spanish zone of Morocco, there are many million pounds sterling of British capital invested in this area. The greater part of this is in respect of iron ore, copper and lead mines and the sherry industry. In addition, in normal times a considerable part of our total Spanish trade is carried on with the same area which, I may mention, takes large quantities of coal from South Wales.

All these interests have inevitably suffered, in a greater or less degree, from the existenc of the civil war. In that area, no less than in the area under the control of the Government at Valencia, war conditions have resulted in a large measure of interference by the Spanish authorities with British, in common with other foreign undertakings. As the war developed all these difficulties became more and more acute. This situation inevitably called for direct negotiations with the authorities at Burgos or Salamanca. But the machinery for that purpose was lacking. At neither of those places— towns of no sufficient importance in normal times—had we any representative. The only career Consuls in General Franco's territory were stationed at the ports, and only as a result of the occasional visits paid to Burgos (about 150 miles away) or to Salamanca (over 300 miles away) by the Commercial Secretary to His Majesty's Embassy at Hendaye and the personal contact thus established could any progress at all be made. But this occasional and fortuitous contact was wholly inadequate. In the matter of contact with the insurgent authorities His Majesty's Government have throughout the past year been at a greater disadvantage than any other Power having large interests in that part of Spain. It became increasingly clear that an end must be put to this unpre- cedented state of affairs, and that some machinery must be set up by which each side could give proper attention to matters common concern to both of them. It would have been possible to transfer to Salamanca or Burgos consular officers with special experience of commercial and financial questions. But the appointment of new Consuls with commissions from His Majesty the King and the grant to them of an exequatur by the authorities at Salamanca would have implied a measure of recognition of these authorities.

After mature consideration the Government came to the conclusion that the situation could best be met by an exchange of agents. The duty of the agent appointed by His Majesty's Government will be the protection of British subjects and the protection of industrial and trade interests throughout this area. As the Prime Minister has already stated, negotiations have been entered into with this object in view. In addition to these agents, sub-agents will be appointed at a limited number of places to be agreed upon between the two parties. The reception of such an agent in London will not in any way constitute recognition by His Majesty's Government of the authorities of the territories under the control of General Franco, and neither party will accord or expect to receive diplomatic status for their agents. No appointment to the post of British Agent has yet been made.

Before giving final approval to this proposal, His Majesty's Government have insisted upon a satisfactory settlement of two points in regard to which no progress had so far been made. I refer to the seven ships until lately detained at Ferrol or elsewhere and to two cargoes of British-owned iron ore which, during the summer, were confiscated. Satisfaction has been obtained. Orders have been given for the release of all these ships and, as the House was informed last week, some have already left Spain. Orders have also been given for an equivalent amount of iron ore to be placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Embassy at Hendaye.

I have already said that the arrangement is to be concluded upon a basis of strict reciprocity. This reciprocity must logically include freedom for the agents and sub-agents to exercise, in the same way as consular representatives, all the normal functions of Consuls in relation to matters of commerce and navigation. To the extent, therefore, that our agent and sub-agents are allowed to exercise such functions in Spain, the agent and sub-agents of General Franco will be permitted to exercise similar functions in this country.

The House will appreciate that this is a matter which essentially concerns British commercial interests. The French Government were, however, informed of our intentions.

In reply to the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, diplomatic contact with the Spanish Government will continue to be maintained as at present by His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Valencia, who will shortly be moving to Barcelona.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the whole of the business of non-intervention is not also concerned very closely with trade relations and relations between nationals of this country and Spain, and why there has not been consultation with other Powers concerned in this matter?

If the right hon. Gentleman means to inquire why we have not raised this matter in the Non-Intervention Committee, he will perceive that there would be little service in doing that when some of the Governments have already recognised General Franco as the Government of Spain, while others continue to recognise the Government at Valencia.

I am asking whether we have conferred with the French Government in particular on this matter; I was not referring to those who are actively intervening.

As I have told the House, the French Government were informed of what we intended to do. If the right hon. Gentleman means to inquire whether I asked the French Government whether they agreed, the answer is in the negative. I would not have expected the French Government to ask me a question of that sort. I have had no representations of any kind from the French Government against the steps which are being taken, although we informed them of it some time ago.

Is there any precedent for sending agents of this kind to rebels who have not been given recognition as belligerents?

Yes, I think there is. I think that there is a precedent in the case of General Venezelos in Greece, but I would remind the House that it would be very difficult to find a precedent for withholding belligerent rights for so long.

Will the former precedents, such as that in the American Civil War and the Chinese Civil War, be followed in which belligerent status was recognised; and will the political agents who are sent to Spain be under the orders of the Ambassador accredited to the legal Government of Spain?

Yes, it is our present intention that that should be the position. I am informed that there were actually no agents in the American Civil War, but as to the general position now, it is our intention that the agents should be under the general direction of His Majesty's Ambassador to Spain.

Does that mean that they will also be under the direction of the Chargé d'Affaires at Barcelona?

That is obviously not practicable.

Is it not more practicable for them to be responsible to the official who has been able to remain in Spain during the whole time rather than to one who has been absent all the time?

The hon. Gentleman is a little difficult to satisfy. When I try to arrange a contact, he criticises it.

May I ask whether, in view of the importance of this statement, the Government can give time this evening by moving the Adjournment at a convenient hour in order that it may be discussed?

I should not have thought that any further discussion was necessary after the very full statement which my right hon. Friend has made, but if the House desires it, I think that it can be arranged.

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that the Foreign Secretary is occupied and has to go back to Brussels; and in view of this very grave departure from what has previously been done, the House should have an opportunity of discussing it, which it did not have on the previous occasion.

I do not want that to be made a grievance, but if the right hon. Gentleman presses it, I will arrange for the Adjournment to be moved to-night at some convenient interval in the business, say, some time about 8 o'clock. The exact time can be arranged.

I want to ask the Foreign Secretary—

If it is on the same subject, I would remind the hon. Gentleman that it is to be discussed to-night.

I understand that we are to discuss the question that has been raised by the Leader of the Opposition, but the Foreign Secretary informed me that he would answer my question at the conclusion. I am now dealing with my question. I want to ask the Foreign Secretary whether he is aware that Guest, Keen & Nettlefold hold the majority of the shares in some of these iron works, and that several Cabinet Ministers nave interests in Guest, Keen & Nettlefold; and is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to have a referendum of the people on this question before this criminal policy is dealt with any further? A whole bunch of these people are interested.

I see nothing about this firm in the Question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the present Extradition Treaty between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government is to be extended to include Abyssinia; and whether any negotiations to This end are proceeding?

There have been no negotiations of the nature indicated in the question, and no such extension is contemplated at present.

Does the present Treaty contain an optional clause for the surrender of each country's nationals?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of parents' pensions payable in respect of sons lost in the Great War that have been transferred to the surviving parent during the past 12 months, and the number that were in suspense for two, four, six and over eight years, respectively, before re-issue; and whether he will give instructions that on the death of a parent in receipt of a flat-rate or dependant's pension the surviving parent shall be notified that he or she may continue to receive the pension on application through the local area war pension office or to Ministry headquarters?

During the 12 months ended September, 1937, dependants' pensions were transferred to surviving parents in approximately 2,800 cases. A separate record is not kept of the period elapsing before re-issue, but the general experience is that application for re-issue is made promptly. It would not be practicable to notify surviving parents individually of this provision of the Royal Warrant, as my Department is not usually in a position to know if there is a survivor, but pensioners have their attention drawn to the point by instructions printed in the pension payment book which is in their custody.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the decision of Parliament that parents' pensions shall be paid in addition to old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts, he will give instructions or take other steps to ensure that parents' flat rate and/or dependants' pension shall not be reduced when a parent aged 70 or over receives the old age pension under the Old Age Pension Acts, 1908 to 1924?

Parents' flat rate and pre-war dependence pensions are not reduced by my Department when the pensioner receives old age pension under the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1924, but, as these latter pensions are subject to means limits, they may have to be awarded at a lower rate by reason of the additional income represented by the pension from my Department.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is time this anomaly and injustice ought to be removed?

That is a matter for another Department.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can assure the House that the Government are not contemplating any compulsory measure for the pasteurisation of milk throughout this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 1st November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the proposed legislation on milk production and distribution, he will consider giving permanent exemption from compulsory pasteurisation in the case of the producer-retailer selling milk from one herd?

As stated in paragraph 16 of the White Paper on Milk Policy issued in July last, it is proposed that the operation of any Order making compulsory the efficient pasteurisation of milk sold by retail shall be deferred for two years after the Order is made, that milk retailed from dairies where the milk is derived from a single herd shall be exempt for three years from the date of operation of the Order, and that milk from tuberculin tested herds shall be exempt from its scope. I am always ready to consider suggestions, but as my hon. Friend will appreciate, the Government's proposals are expressly designed to afford an adequate opportunity for those concerned to make any adjustments that may be required to meet the new conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is very difficult for small farmers, especially in Wales, to procure the necessary apparatus for pasteruisation, and is it not the fact that a very large volume of British opinion will never be completely in favour of pasteurisation?

If the hon. Member will read the White Paper he will see that the initiative for any Order to make the pasteurisation of milk compulsory must emanate from the local authority, and if the hon. Member's contention is right that a large part of the people are opposed to pasteurisation, then I appreciate that only a few of these applications are likely to be made. The Government's policy is so designed that if a local authority does demand a power of compulsory pasteurisation those concerned will have adequate time in which to make the necessary arrangements and adjustments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make no promise which will prevent him insisting on more efficient and cheaper distribution?

The question of distribution is dealt with in the White Paper, and I shall be careful, as far as I can, to make no promise which will prevent me from discharging my duty to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that pasteurisation is not a panacea for all ills?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many defaulters were lined in September by the Milk Board for selling milk wholesale without a contract; for rendering false returns; for failing to furnish information and returns; and what were the monetary penalties in each section?

From information published by the Milk Marketing Board, it appears that during September, 1937, penalties amounting to £987 were imposed on 13 registered producers for selling milk by wholesale without a contract. Penalties amounting to £644 were imposed on 27 registered producers for rendering false returns, and penalties amounting to £68 on 13 registered producers for failing to furnish information and returns.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total production of milk in England and Wales and in Scotland for each of the years 1931 to 1936, and what are the comparable figures for the first nine months of 1937; and whether he foresees an increase or a decrease in the total production of milk in the course of the next year?

With my hon. Friend's permission I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the information he desires for the years 1931 to 1936 with estimates for the period from January to September this year. With regard to the last part of the question, the production of milk is influenced by so many factors that I would rather not attempt any forecast of future supplies.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House the general effect of these figures so as to confirm whether there has been a considerable fall in the production of milk in recent years?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the figures. I shall be glad to answer any other questions if he will give me notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the result of his policy will be a rise or fall in prices?

The Government's policy is designed to safeguard the interests of the consumers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture Whether he is aware that manufacturers of condensed milk and chocolate, who give employment to many workpeople in this country, are unable to obtain adequate supplies of milk; that the shortage, if continued, will necessitate the importation of foreign supplies of condensed milk and chocolate; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

The Milk Marketing Board have informed me that they have no knowledge of any manufacturer of condensed milk or chocolate who is unable at the present time to obtain adequate supplies of milk. If my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of the cases he has in mind I shall be glad to pass the information to the board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many thousands of poor consumers in this country who are unable to obtain adequate supplies of milk, and is he satisfied that it is the right policy that chocolate manufacturers should get milk at 9d. and the poor consumers be compelled to pay 2s.?

That raises a very much wider question of policy. In the first place, if the right hon. Gentleman will look at the White Paper to which I have already referred, he will see that there the Government adumbrates proposals to render milk available to those whose necessities make them incapable of getting it; and secondly, on the question of chocolate manufacturers, I think the right hon. Gentleman himself was very eloquent on the subject when he was at the Ministry of Agriculture.

With regard to the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary answer. Is he not aware that the policy of the then Government, to which he referred, was to provide adequate supplies for poor consumers first?

That may have been the policy, but I am not aware that it was executed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the highest price per gallon of milk used for making butter and cheese that could he secured in the most favourable event by the Milk Marketing Board through the working of the price insurance plan which forms part of his milk policy; and what is the lowest figure below which the price of such milk is calculated not to fall under this guarantee?

Nothing in the Government's proposals would impose an upper limit on the price per gallon of milk used for making butter and cheese which could be obtained by the Milk Marketing Board. The answer to the last part of the question depends on a number of factors and assumptions, and until the White Paper proposals are clothed in detail, any such calculation as the hon. Member suggests might be misleading.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be possible to give an answer to the second part of the question?

There will always be certain assumptions depending on conditions which are quite outside the Government's proposals. There are bound to be different answers to the question which the hon. Member asks. I think an approach to a solution might be found when the Bill itself is produced.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can assure the House that the operations of the Potato Marketing Board are satisfactory in all respects, having regard to the necessity of an increased supply of potatoes for storage and consumption in the event of war?

The home potato crop is normally sufficient to meet nearly the whole of the country's requirements, and any increase designed to meet a possible future emergency would tend to undermine the comparative stability that has been enjoyed by the industry since the introduction of the Potato Marketing Scheme and the complementary control of imports.

Will the Government consider encouraging an increased acreage of potatoes with a view to setting up a factory for feeding stuffs for pigs, which would be of some use in the home-produced feeding stuffs supply?

That is another question. The hon. Member's question on the Order Paper relates to the possibility of emergency, and I am satisfied that the acreage could be rapidly and substantially increased.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during last winter the prices of potatoes were abnormally high to the home consumer while imports continued to be restricted? Is he satisfied in the circumstances that it is right to make the growing of further potatoes a crime?

It is not a crime. The basic acreage of registered producers is quite sufficient in a normal yield to satisfy the whole of the home requirements.

Is it not a crime to fine a man £5 for growing potatoes?

I will not quarrel with the right hon. Gentleman about words. I prefer to describe it more accurately as a levy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government are taking to supply the public with good British bacon at a reasonable price, in view of the operation of the restricted quotas?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any statement to make regarding the supply of pigs to curing factories; and whether he intends to continue the scheme restricting the output of these factories?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to remove the anomaly which now arises in connection with the bacon and bacon-development schemes under which curers may be allotted a bacon-production quota by the Bacon Development Board, but may riot, in fact, be able to utilise the whole of this production quota owing to a lower scales quota imposed by the Bacon Marketing Board?

Since the introduction of the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Schemes the quality of British bacon has considerably improved, the quantity has doubled, while the price index of bacon is less than that of food in general. As the House will be aware, consultations are now proceeding with the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Boards regarding the future organisation of the bacon industry, and it would be premature, therefore, to make any statement on the points raised by the hon. Members.

Will my right hon. Friend do something to protect the small curer so that he can produce good bacon for the public? Will he not only protect the large man but show some consideration for the small curer in the provinces who is threatened with complete destruction through no fault of his own, but for having committed the crime of being a British subject?

My hon. Friend is prophesying very confidently something that is going to happen as a result of the inquiry now pending, but I undertake to see that all legitimate interests in this matter are protected.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for how many years it will be premature to make a statement on the subject?

I do not think I need answer that question. I hope it will not be a matter of years. I hope to make a statement as soon as practicable.

Although British bacon has improved in quality since the bacon scheme has been in operation, is it not a fact that recently the quality has been deteriorating, and in these circumstances how long are we to wait before we get a statement?

The right hon. Gentleman admits an improvement in quality owing to the scheme, and in the course of the negotiations now proceeding I am doing my best to see that that improvement is maintained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say which years he is taking for comparison when he says that the output of bacon has been doubled?

I am taking the last complete year of the operations of the scheme and the year before the scheme was initiated.

Does the right hon. Gentleman infer that the quality of bacon produced has doubled, and not the quantity of bacon?

My reply was specific. I said that under the operation of the scheme the quantity of bacon has doubled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the retail price of bacon is 4d. per lb. more than it was a year ago?

The price of bacon is cheaper than it was before the depression, and before the National Government came in. Bacon, as a matter of fact, has risen less in price than foodstuffs in general, and food prices have risen less than other commodities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the information in his Department shows the causes of the increase in pig population as shown in the Returns of 4th September as compared with the census of 4th June; and whether that information indicates that the decline in the industry has now been arrested?

The increase in the number of pigs between 4th June and 4th September this year is of a seasonal character, but as this is the first occasion on which information regarding the numbers of pigs in September has been obtained, it is impossible to say whether the seasonal increase recorded this year is greater or less than normal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large quantities of bacon are being imported from overseas, cured in this country, then advertised and sold as home-cured bacon; that though this may be a technically correct designation it is misleading to the general public, who purchase it believing it to be home produced; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the public shall be aware of the actual source of produce they purchase?

Imported bacon is required to be marked with an indication of origin under the Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) No. 3 Order, 1924. I am not aware that large quantities of imported bacon are subjected to a further process of curing before sale, but foodstuffs which have undergone a process of curing in the United Kingdom are expressly excluded from the operation of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.

In view of the fact that I am informed by the agricultural industry that a large amount of this bacon is being imported into this country and then cured, that in many instances it is of inferior quality and is prejudicing the housewife against what she believes to be English bacon, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter if I put the facts before him?

I will certainly look into the matter. My information is that this practice is not on a great scale, but I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will give me the information in her possession.

Is not the remedy to get the British farmer to keep his contract?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how the return to the poultry keeper in the price of eggs throughout 1937 has compared with the three previous years?

During the greater part of the present year, egg prices have been higher than in the preceding three years. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the monthly prices of eggs during the period covered by the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also circulate the price of feeding stuffs on which hens have to feed?

I will gladly do so if I am asked by the right hon. Gentleman. The hon. Member's question asks for the return to the poultry keeper in the price of eggs.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason I did

asked the Minister of Agriculture what direct steps his Department is taking to advise and assist farmers to reduce the numbers of wood pigeons in view of the mischief they do to fruit, corn and root crops; and what plans he has made, in collaboration with county councils, for the extermination of this pest?

My Department has issued a free advisory leaflet on the wood pigeon of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The leaflet affords information as to the habits of the birds and advice as to suitable methods for their destruction. Concerted plans to this end, such as pigeon shoots, are in my view matters that fall to be arranged by those locally concerned.

Is not the remedy really to hold one's gun rather straighter than a good many do?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the House any information in connection with not ask for the price of feeding stuffs is that I have already received it from him?

In providing this information for the right hon. Member for North Cornwall (Sir F. Acland) will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that it is the foreign feeding stuffs which come into this country which cause this increase in the price of eggs?

Infection was disclosed in a consignment of 112 cattle exposed at Stowmarket Market on 4th November, one beast being then in the early stages of the disease. Owing to the very grave risk of the spread of infection all cattle and swine in the market were seized and prompt arrangements were made for their slaughter which was effected in about 24 hours. By that time other cattle in the infected consignment had developed the disease. Two hundred and thirty-three cattle, including 53 contact animals not exposed in the market, were destroyed and their carcases incinerated, and of 1,242 swine involved 1,160 fat animals were sent to local bacon factories for immediate slaughter and salvage. The remaining pigs were slaughtered and the carcases burnt. During 1937, 2,571 cattle, 4,319 sheep and 2,645 pigs have been slaughtered, and the compensation payable to owners as a result of such slaughter amounts to £75,000.

What is the percentage that is given to these people as compensation? Is it 50 per cent. or 75 per cent.?

It is laid down in the Act. Speaking from memory, with regard to an animal that is infected, the compensation payable is the value before infection took place; with regard to an animal that is destroyed because of contact with infected animals, the value of the compensation is the animal's value at the time.

Is it a fact that the owners of the cattle are in duty bound to lose a good deal of money?

With regard to the tracing of the source of the disease, is it not a fact that when the disease broke out at Stowmarket some of the cattle had travelled a tremendously long distance, and will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to see that there is better organisation from the marketing point of view and thus prevent some of these diseases from occurring owing to the long distance which some of the animals have to travel at the present time?

I am not aware of, and I do not think there is, any defect that is remediable with regard to the organisation for tracing these animals. As to the present outbreak, its position on our coasts, coinciding as it does with the most violent outbreak of the disease that the Continent has suffered in recent times, suggests that possibly the disease is carried from the Continent to our fields.

Is there the possibility that this infection is brought to this country through the medium of foreign packing straw?

In view of the very heavy losses in cattle and money, can the Minister inform the House what is the present position in regard to research in this country into the causes of this disease?

asked the Prime Minister what effect the fall from power in Belgium of M. van Zeeland has had upon the mission entrusted to him by His Majesty's Government and others in regard to the investigation of questions relating to the reduction of tariff barriers and cognate problems; and how far the inquiries and negotiations have proceeded?

I understand that M. van Zeeland was preparing a report on the economic mission entrusted to him when the political crisis occurred in Belgium which led to his resignation. I am not at present in a position to say whether these developments will affect his mission but, in any case, I look forward to receiving his report in due course.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far the inquiries and negotiations have proceeded?

I think the answer to that question is implied in my original answer. M. van Zeeland was engaged in preparing a report, and it is that report which I am now awaiting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give to the House the contents and purport of that report as soon as it is received?

We shall have to consider it ourselves before making it public.