asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of females daily employed underground in mines under the Indian Mines Act for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and whether the reduction of these workers is taking place regularly according to the statutory provision?

The employment of women underground in mines in India was prohibited with effect from 1st October, 1937.

Is the Noble Lord satisfied that the number has been reduced in accordance with the regulations passed by this House?

The hon. Member cannot have heard my answer. The employment of women underground was prohibited from 1st October, 1937. The original regulations passed in 1929 provided that there should be progressive reduction.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give particulars of the success of the scheme that was instituted for the training of Indian boys on the training ship "Dufferin," stationed at Bombay; and whether it is proposed to establish similar training ships in other parts of India?

I am sending the hon. Member certain information regarding the scheme, which has been a success. I am not aware of any proposal to establish a similar training ship elsewhere in India.

Is it a fact that the Federated Union of Chambers of Commerce made this suggestion?

They may have done so, but I am not aware that there has been a proposal to establish a similar training ship elsewhere in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the present position as regards the abolition or retention of the Commissioners in Assam?

This matter is still under consideration; only one of the two Commissionerships is affected.

Is the noble Lord aware that for 15 years there has been considerable evidence of moderate Indian and European opinion in favour of the abolition of these Commissioners?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that there has been some opinion, but there has been a majority of opinion in favour of their continuance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make a statement respecting the present position with reference to the recent resignations of the ministers in the United Provinces and Bihar?

I am glad to be able to report that in both Provinces agreement has been reached between the Governors and their ministers, and the ministers have accordingly withdrawn their resignations.

Can the Noble Lord say what effect the agreement will have upon the position of the political prisoners?

It would be difficult to do so within the limits of an answer to a question. A full statement appeared in the Press, and also in a White Paper published last week.

Will there be a subsequent anouncement in regard to the release of the prisoners?

No, Sir, I do not think there will be a subsequent announcement to this House. Speaking generally—and this answers the hon. Member for Bridge-ton (Mr. Maxton)—each case will be considered on its merits. That is the essence of the agreement which has been reached.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps the Government of India has taken to ascertain the views of Provincial Governments in regard to the introduction of the federal pact of the Constitution; and whether the Provincial Governments on their own initiative have intimated to His Majesty's Government their own views with regard to this introduction?

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer given by my Noble Friend to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 29th November last. As regards the second part, the Legislatures of several of the Provinces in which the Congress party is in power have passed resolutions condemning the provisions in general of the Government of India Act, and urging that it be replaced by a constitution framed by a constituent assembly in India.

Does not the Noble Lord feel, in view of the hostility of the various assemblies, that it would be better in the circumstances at least to suspend the idea of federal government?

No, Sir. The hon. Member cannot be aware that the Imperial Parliament was, and continues to be, under the Government of India Act, responsible for determining the nature of the future government of British India.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take any action with regard to the unfortunate position of subscribers in this country to the Greek Loan issued under the auspices of the League of Nations?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given on 1st November to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether at any time the Italian Government has asked for a share in the defence of the Suez Canal?

I have not caused any search to be made in the Foreign Office archives prior to 1922, but since that date His Majesty's Government are not aware of any request by the Italian Government for a share in the defence of the Suez Canal. An official communiqué was issued in Rome on 27th February in which the reports published by certain newspapers as to Italian claims regarding armed supervision of the Suez Canal are described as fantastic.

Then it is not a matter which will be discussed between the two Governments?

As there is no such matter, it cannot be discussed.

Is this the first time that the head of the Italian Government has said that things are fantastic? Has he not always said that?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the published statement made by Marshal Graziani, in Abyssinia, that the cost to Italy of dues through the Suez Canal amounts to approximately, 1,250 million lire a year; and whether he will assure the House that no question of reduction of the charges to Italy shall form part of any settlement with the Italian Government?

The reports of the speech of Marshal Graziani which have reached His Majesty's Government do not bear out the interpretation put upon it by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. With regard to the second part of the question, the terms of the concession granted to the Suez Canal Company and the provisions of the Suez Canal Convention of 1888, which provide for complete equality of treatment for the shipping of all countries using the canal, preclude any question of a special reduction of dues in favour of Italy alone or the exclusion of Italy from the benefits of reduced dues at any time accorded to the vessels of other countries.

Has the Prime Minister observed that the rumours about the Suez Canal have caused a fall in the price of shares?

No, I have not.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now received replies from the Spanish Government and the insurgent authorities at Salamanca to his appeal to both sides in the conflict to cease the bombing of civilian populations; what is the nature of the replies; and what further action is proposed in the matter?

The hon. Member is doubtless referring to the initiative mentioned by my right hon. Friend the late Foreign Secretary in the course of the Debate in the House on 2nd February. The Spanish Government have accepted in principle the good offices of His Majesty's Government, but the Salamanca authorities have replied that, while they deeply regret the bombardment of open towns and have avoided on every occasion causing useless ravages, and while they take good note of the initiative of His Majesty's Government, they must nevertheless reserve proper freedom of action in so far as the free development of the campaign is concerned, which necessitates striking at military objectives wherever they may be found. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on 14th February, to which I have nothing to add at present.

In view of the fact that it is well known, and has never been denied, that the majority of aeroplanes which have been carrying out bombing raids have come from Majorca, and are Italian, can that question not be raised in the Italian conversations?

I think it would be better for me, in the first instance, to pursue the inquiries and discussions which we have already undertaken.

Will the bombing and close-up machine-gunning of British ships in Spanish waters be discussed?

Is it possible to suggest to both sides that the bombing of objectives, which cannot be described as military, should be considered? Is there not an opportunity of getting agreement to stop that?

That is what we have done.

Was it on the initiative of the British Government alone, or had we the co-operation of the French Government?

I have referred to an answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden), in which he said:

"His Majesty's Government have not approached the Vatican direct, but they have informed the French Government that they are now prepared to associate themselves with such initiative as the French Government may decide to take in the matter whether through the Vatican or through other channels."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th February, 1938; col. 1512, Vol. 331.]

May I have a reply to my supplementary question in regard to the machine-gunning and bombing of British ships?

As regards the bombing of British ships, if they are merchant ships, that would be the bombing of civilians.

Are the Government taking any steps?

I have answered that in the reply that I have already given.

asked the Prime Minister the total amount claimed by the British Government for British ships sunk by the insurgent authorities in Spain and the total amount outstanding up to date?

No detailed claims of this nature have yet been presented to the Salamanca authorities. His Majesty's Government have, however, reserved their right to claim full compensation when a suitable opportunity for presenting these claims arises.

If in the event of General Franco tabulating conditions for a loan to meet these commitments—

That does not arise on this question.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether you can state exactly why my supplementary question is out of order? My point was that there was the possibility of this subject—

The question deals with the amount outstanding up to date. There is no question of a loan.

My supplementary question was in connection with the commitments of General Franco on this question.

May I ask whether in the meantime, until the compensation claims have been considered and met, the seamen who have been affected are being compensated?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information about the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain; and whether the Non-intervention Committee have had talks with M. Corbin, the French Ambassador, and Count Grandi, the Italian Ambassador, about the matter?

As far back as 11th January last the Chairman's Sub-Committee of the Non-intervention Committee decided that the solution of those questions connected with the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain, on which it had not yet been possible to reach agreement, could best be sought by informal negotiation, and it accordingly charged Lord Plymouth, its Chairman, to pursue this matter in such manner as he considered most suitable. As the hon. Member will be aware, these questions have also formed the subject of recent discussions between my right hon. Friend the late Foreign Secretary, the Italian Ambassador and myself. In the light of these last discussions Lord Plymouth has resumed his conversations with the various representatives on the Sub-Committee with a view to reaching an early agreement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a considerable number of Italian troops have already been withdrawn from General Franco's side and that no foreign troops have been withdrawn from the Government side?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that this country will not agree to the granting of belligerent rights to the conflicting parties in Spain except in relation to the limited categories of contraband goods as proposed in the original British plan?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that this country will not agree to the granting of belligerent rights to the conflicting parties in Spain until some system has been adopted which ensures to this country and to the world that no further supplies of arms or ammunition shall reach Spain or Spanish colonial territory from abroad?

As the hon. Member was informed on 15th December, His Majesty's Government accepted the resolution passed by the Non-intervention Committee on 4th November last, which provided for the grant of belligerent rights to both parties in Spain when certain conditions had been fulfilled, including the re-establishment of a strengthened control scheme.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the number of foreigners who are at present fighting for the Barcelona Government and the number who are on the side of General Franco?

I am not able to state with accuracy the number of foreign volunteers serving with either side in Spain. My hon. Friend will be aware that, under the plan at present being considered by the Non-intervention Committee, it is proposed to send Commissions to both Spanish parties with the express purpose of ascertaining the number of foreign volunteers engaged on either side.

Is it not a fact that there are now 14,000 prisoners of the International Brigade in General Franco's hands, and does not that indicate—

That is an entirely different matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information as to the method by which goods entering Spain by way of the Pyrenees are examined?

No, Sir. As no scheme for the observation of the land frontiers of Spain is now in force, this is entirely a matter for the French and Spanish authorities.

Is the Prime Minister not aware of the huge quantities of guns, munitions and volunteers going from France into Catalonia? Cannot this be stopped?

That is an entirely different question. The hon. Member has asked whether I can give him any information as to the methods by which goods entering Spain are examined. I have told him that I cannot, because there is no control at the frontier.

Is not the position on the Franco-Spanish frontier exactly the same as the position in regard to the Portuguese frontier?

It is. There is no control on either.

asked the Prime Minister whether he now has any information concerning the recent landing of large supplies of Italian armaments in insurgent Spain; and, particularly, whether any such armaments were landed in Cadiz on 30th January from a boat that had been accompanied by Italian warships?

Inquiries have been made into the incidents alleged by the hon. Member, but no report has been received which confirms them.

Did not the Government say a fortnight ago that inquiries would be made? As the Government have never admitted any knowledge of the arrival of Italian forces in Spain, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the sources of information of the Government are deficient or whether they are consistently and deliberately misleading the House?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Dr. Negrin, Prime Minister of Spain, has stated officially that Italian aeroplanes and artillery took part in the recapture of Teruel; and whether, as this occurred on the day after the opening of Anglo-Italian conversations, he has inquired or will inquire of the Italian Government if their aeroplanes and artillery were so engaged?

I am aware of Dr. Negrin's statement, but I do not consider that the use of Italian arms already in Spain gives ground for special inquiries of the Italian Government. Incidentally, I would point out that Anglo-Italian conversations have not been opened.

Is it a matter of indifference to the Government if the Italians continue to intervene in Spain during the conversations?

That is another question altogether. The right hon. Gentleman's question concerns the use of arms and the nature of their supply.

That is exactly my point. I am asking whether the continued Italian intervention in Spain during the Anglo-Italian conversations is a matter of indifference to His Majesty's Government? The point of the question is that the Prime Minister will inquire whether these things are going on, because I am anxious to find out whether it is a matter of indifference to the Government.

The right hon. Gentleman has received a reply to his question.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Spanish Government allege that the recently arrived arms at Teruel were of the latest pattern, not previously seen in Spain, and therefore presumably could have recently arrived?

Is it not the case that French artillery, guns, and aeroplanes were captured by General Franco at Teruel?

My information is that arms from non-Spanish sources continue to be used by both sides.

asked the Prime Minister what reply to the protest against attacks on British shipping has been received from General Franco; and whether it is proposed to take further action on this matter?

Yes, Sir. As regards the sinking of the "Alcira," General Franco's administration have replied that an immediate investigation had shown that it had not been possible at the time of the attack to establish the nationality of the vessel, which had, moreover, aroused suspicions for various reasons, including the fact that she was within territorial waters and was not following the Nyon route. His Majesty's Government do not consider this reply to be satisfactory. The British Agent in Salamanca has accordingly been instructed to point out officially to the Salamanca authorities that there should have been no difficulty in establishing the nationality of the vessel; that, according to the information of His Majesty's Government, she was some 20 miles from the coast at the time of the attack; that, whether or not she was within territorial waters, His Majesty's Government must regard such an attack as entirely unjustifiable; and that there is no obligation on British shipping to follow the routes recommended in the Nyon Agreement. In these circumstances, His Majesty's Government must hold the Salamanca authorities responsible for the damages incurred. They, therefore, reserve their right to claim full compensation in due course for the sinking of the ship and the losses suffered by the crew. With regard to other incidents in the Mediterranean, the Salamanca authorities have declared that they considered the strong terms of His Majesty's Government's communication is unjustified. To this Sir R. Hodgson has been instructed to reply enumerating the recent events in justification of the measures which His Majesty's Government have taken in the Mediterranean.

In view of the language which the right hon. Gentleman has used in his answer, is it proposed to grant belligerent rights to General Franco before this matter has been cleared up?

I cannot say.

Is it not a fact that the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell) when in Spain declared that Mr. Eden must go?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information about the extent to which looting of British goods has occurred in Shanghai and the value of British property removed from British warehouses?

The total number of claims notified up to 30th December in respect of looting and wanton damage to property was 102. Nine of these claims have been prepared and transmitted by His Majesty's Consul-General to the Japanese Consulate-General. It will be appreciated that most of the claimants have not yet been able to formulate their claims and have only communicated preliminary statements to His Majesty's Consulate-General, where assistance is being given in drawing them up. In view of the difficulty experienced by the claimants in ascertaining the value of property looted or spoiled, detailed figures of a large proportion of the losses are not yet available at His Majesty's Consulate-General.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in respect of the recent Austro-German agreement?

It is at present impossible for His Majesty's Government to estimate the real effect of the agreement reached between the Austrian and German Chancellors at Berchtesgaden on 12th February, but they are continuing to follow developments with close attention. In this connection they have noted with great interest the speech delivered by Herr von Schuschnigg on 24th February. Meanwhile I should, perhaps, add that the measures so far taken by the Austrian Government in consequence of the discussions at Berchtesgaden on 12th February do not appear, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, to constitute a breach of the obligations which Austria undertook in the Treaty of St. Germain and the Geneva Protocol of 1922, and it does not appear, therefore, that any action on the part of His Majesty's Government is called for on that account in the existing circumstances.

asked the Prime Minister the contributions in gold francs and comparable sterling paid by the various members of the League of Nations towards the expenditure of the League for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date; and how the contribution payable by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain compares with that of all other countries?

The information required by the hon. Member is contained in a League of Nations document, a copy of which I am sending to him.

Does the document show the alterations made?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to work by all possible means for the establishment of the League of Nations as it was originally visualised by its creators?

As I stated in the House on 22nd February, it is the hope of His Majesty's Government to see the League reconstituted in such a form and on such a basis of membership as might enable us to rely upon being able to use its powers for the functions for which they were orignially intended. His Majesty's Government will do all that is within their power to bring about this state of affairs.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by the word "reconstitute" in this connection?

I meant further additions to its membership.

But is it not the case that the United States which founded the League would not join it?

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases of ex-service men submitted to him since the deputation from Members of Parliament met him on this question in February, 1937; and how many succeeded in getting a pension or an increase of pension?

Four thousand six hundred and forty-four cases of disabled ex-service men have been examined in the 12 months to 31st January last, and 1,393, or 30 Per cent., were granted pension or increase of pension, while another 322 were given or promised medical treatment as and when it became necessary.

In view of the smallness of the numbers, will the Minister reconsider the matter, or will he consider receiving a deputation?

In view of the fact that 20 years have elapsed since the War, I think the percentage is remarkably high, and as far as it is possible to make a comparison, the percentage of claims admitted during last year was substantially higher than during the year when hon. Members opposite were in office.

In view of the fact that all these men have been in the Service, ought they not to have some ready assistance now that they are in need?

Do I understand that the Minister is now prepared to make this question a political issue?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give the House any information as regards the stabilisation of the price of feeding-stuffs?

As I have informed my hon. Friend on previous occasions, feeding-stuff prices are in general governed by world causes over which the Government have no control.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware of the plight of the poultry breeders owing to the high cost of feeding stuffs, and that the policy of the survival of the fittest will send them all into bankruptcy?

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

The range and variety of measures that have been taken in recent years to improve the position of agriculture constitute, when viewed as a whole, a programme that can fairly be described as comprehensive. It is the Government's intention to continue their efforts to increase agricultural prosperity and efficiency and the productivity of our land and stock by means which are consistent with the true economic interests of the industry.

Are we ever to have a long-term policy for agriculture?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what report was made by the inspector who investigated the claim of Mr. F. R. Sargent, of Hurstmonceaux, for arrears of wages, which was brought to the notice of his Department in July, 1937; and whether he will explain why the arrears have not been paid?

It appeared from the inspector's report that arrears of wages were due in respect of payment at less than the minimum and overtime rates laid down in the Orders of the Agricultural Wages Board. Owing to the death of the employer, some delay occurred in securing payment of the arrears as application

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the amounts of the increases of salaries paid to those in charge of sub-post offices are based on the average turnover of three separate weeks selected by the postmaster of the area; and, as the selected weeks may in no way represent the annual weekly average of the business done, will he take steps to have these salaries fixed on some other basis?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres under cultivation and the number of workers employed in England and Wales for the years 1908 and 1925, respectively; and whether he can give an approximate estimate of the total wages paid to agricultural workers for the years 1908, 1925, 1933–34 and 1936–37, respectively?

As the reply involves a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a fact that the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has already supplied, together with these figures, indicate that while productivity has increased, wages have only risen to a very much smaller degree than the actual value of the produce?

Perhaps the hon. Member will study the table, and then put another question on the Paper.

As I indicated to the hon. Member in reply to his previous question on this matter, the emoluments of sub-postmasters are not based on the average turnover of three separate weeks. Their remuneration is revised triennially on the basis, in the main, of the latest available returns of business covering a year and any increase in pay warranted is back-dated for one year.

Will my hon. Friend make it clear that when there is an increase in salary it is on a yearly average and not on the average turnover of three separate weeks?

The increase in salary is based on the average for one year every three years, with the exception of three very small items. I may inform my hon. and gallant Friend that this arrangement is in accordance with the wishes of the Sub-Postmasters' Association and the trade union representatives.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether any, and what, steps are now being taken to establish a wireless telephony system in the islands of the Outer Hebrides; and whether, in view of the frequent breaks in the present system in the islands causing inconvenience and isolation, he will hasten progress as much as possible;

Arrangements are in hand for the provision of wireless telephone connecting links between Castlebay, on the island of Barra and Tobermory, and thence to the mainland at Oban. When the work is completed, Castlebay will have direct communication with Glasgow. South Uist will be connected with Castlebay by means of a submarine cable and this connection will be extended to Benbecula and North Uist. The work is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible, the order for the manufacture of the necessary equipment having already been placed. Good progress has been made in securing sites for the wireless stations and in the arrangements for the provision of the buildings. The connections within the islands are provided by means of overhead circuits, as provision of underground cable would not be economical, and, although special care is taken in the construction of the overhead routes, it is not practicable always to avoid interruption due to storm damage owing to the exposed position of these islands. On the postal side the following changes have been made: In North Uist improved delivery services have been provided at Bayhead; in South Uist a sub-post office has been opened at Lochcarnan and a collection provided in the Carnan and Caltinish districts in Barra the postal facilities at Castlebay have been improved.

Will the Minister make a tour of these districts to see the operation of these arrangements, and thereby put himself wise to the pronunciation of the local names?

I should be delighted to have a holiday if I had time, but I may inform the hon. Member that before coming to the House I made sure I had the right pronunciation in a series of lectures from my adviser, and he is a Highlander—not a Lowlander.

On that tour which the Minister contemplates, will he take his adviser with him so that he, also, may be informed?

asked the Postmaster-General what was the approximate increase in the Empire air-mail carried during the past week as the result of the new reduction in air-mail postage rates to India, Palestine, and other places on the Eastern route?

The weight of first-class mail conveyed during the week ended 27th February from this country to Egypt, Palestine, India, and other countries served by the air route to Malaya at the flat postage rate of 1½d. per half ounce was approximately eight tons, as compared with an average weekly weight of about 1¾ tons under the conditions previously in force, which required the payment of air postage at 3d. or 6d. per half ounce.

Does this not point to the advisability of penny postage?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Government will consider the appointment of a Member of this House as an unpaid liaison officer to establish contact between the House of Commons and the British Broadcasting Corporation?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend's proposal that the Government should appoint a Member of this House as an unpaid liaison officer to establish contact between the House and the British Broadcasting Corporation is impracticable.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the bud of liberty opened with an English spring and that a frost nips it at Broadcasting House? What did the British Broadcasting Corporation do on 7th May?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the rapidly blackening surfaces of the recently cleaned stonework of the Parliament buildings from smoke pollution, and what steps he is taking, in co-operation with other Government Departments in Whitehall, to mitigate or to end this public waste?

I regret that I cannot altogether accept the hon. Member's suggestion. The works now in course of execution are not cleaning operations necessitated by smoke pollution, but repairs due to defects in the original stone and in the method of construction employed originally. As regards the last part of the question, I am taking all reasonable steps to reduce smoke pollution so far as it is under my control.

May I point out that in the question I did not make the statement that the work done on the Houses of Parliament was necessitated by smoke pollution? What I am asking is whether the Minister does not think it intolerable that smoke pollution should emanate from Government Departments at the same time as the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research are pressing local authorities throughout the country to get rid of smoke pollution?

I thought the hon. Member was suggesting that the work done on the Houses of Parliament was due to smoke pollution. Personally, I welcome the fact that the new stone is toning in with the old stone. With regard to the second part of the question, I am taking all reasonable steps. In a great many of the Whitehall institutions, coke is used for the boilers, and in the House of Commons we use Welsh steam coal, which minimises the dirt and grit.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that unemployed persons are being deprived of their pension rights by reason of approved societies terminating their membership without giving adequate notice; and whether he will consider making it obligatory on the societies not only to give adequate notice in such cases, but also to explain to such members the means whereby membership can be retained during the period of unemployment?

In September, 1936, a circular was issued to all approved societies, instructing them that adequate notice should be given to all members whose insurance was about to terminate and that the members should be informed as to the means by which insurance could be maintained. Model forms for this purpose, copies of which together with a copy of the circular I am sending to the hon. Member, were issued to the societies, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that insured persons are not being fully informed of their position.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that approved societies are issuing these notices, which are not only inadequate, but in which there is no instruction as to how the men may continue their insurance?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to have a word with me about it. With the coming into operation of the new Voluntary Pensions Scheme, my right hon. Friend will be issuing another circular, in which he will deal with this.

But is it not the case that that particular circular to which the hon. Member refers will have nothing to do with the matter about which my hon. Friend is speaking?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Motherwell Town Council has introduced a scheme of rent rebates on municipal houses whereby unemployed and low-paid workers with large families get assistance with their rents, and that the Unemployment assistance Board has intimated to the council that, in respect of unemployed workers coming within the jurisdiction of the Unemployment assistance Board, they will apply the means test in respect of rent rebates and deduct from the amounts given to the unemployed the full value of the rent rebates; whether this action of the Unemployment assistance Board has his approval; and under what authority these deductions have been made?

I am having inquiries made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the depression that has recently taken place in the tinplate industry, and to the serious unemployment caused thereby, in South Wales and elsewhere; whether he can give any reasons for this depression; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

I am aware that there has recently been some diminution of activity in the tin-plate industry and an increase in unemployment. I understand that this is attributed to a slackening in the demand in certain export markets on account of trade depression in the countries concerned, and to the disturbed international situation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give the names of the new Palestine special commissioners; what are their terms of reference; and when they are likely to leave England?

Yes, Sir. The personnel of the Palestine Partition Commission will be as follows:

• Sir John Woodhead, K.C.S.I., C.I.E. (Chairman).
• Sir Alison Russell, K.C.
• Mr. A. P. Waterfield, C.B.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is likely to take the Commission to carry out its task? Does he anticipate any particular period of time for their work?

Certainly not; it is entirely a matter for them. There is a lot of complicated and detailed work to be done.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what provision he is making to deal with burning pit-heaps so as to prevent enemy aircraft having beacon marks to make to in the event of hostilities arising with other nations?

I have been asked to reply. A considerable amount of work is being done on methods of controlling burning pit-heaps, as a peace-time problem; and the position will be kept under review with the air-raid precautions aspects in mind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us where this considerable work is being done? I have been putting questions to the chief of police in the West Riding and, as far as I can find out, nothing is being done. In fact, I believe that the opinion is held that nothing can be done unless these heaps are cleared away altogether.

That is not my information. If the hon. Member will put down another question I will see what answer can be given to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long Mr. Vladimir Poliakoff, of 49, Queen's Gate Gardens, S.W.7, has been resident in this country; what were the terms on which he was allowed to take up his present occupation in this country; and for how long that permission is valid?

The records of my Department show that Mr. Vladimir Poliakoff has been resident in this country since 1918, and was naturalised in 1929.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the figures of the extraordinary Italian Budget, issued from Milan on the 9th instant, showing that it is £170,000,000 in debit and to the fact that no satisfactory peace settlement can be made with Italy unless and until international means have been found for covering this deficit, due mainly to the Italian invasion of Abyssinia; and whether he is prepared to give an assurance that, as far as the British Government is concerned, no obligation for this debt will be assumed by this country?

I am aware of the figure referred to in the first part of the question, but I do not understand why the hon. and gallant Member supposes that the Italian Government regard their budgetary position as a matter for international treatment. So far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, there is no question of assuming such an obligation in respect of Italy or any other foreign country.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to whom the original question was addressed, whether he can give us a definite assurance that neither directly nor indirectly, through export credits or other means, will any British credit be used to support Italian finance?

I have given a very definite answer to the question which was on the Paper, and I am not in a position to add to it.

If I put down a further question perhaps I may get an answer from the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this exceedingly important matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the circumstances attending the resignation of the ex-Foreign Secretary, he will give an assurance that in future no decision will be taken by the Government affecting foreign relations on the basis of unofficial information unless received by the Government through the medium of and on the responsibility of the Foreign Secretary?

The hon. Member appears to be under a complete misapprehension. The decision of the Government to which he refers did not turn upon the nature of the Italian Ambassador's reply to the question put to him, and he had been so informed on Friday, 18th February.

In view of the fact that the ex-Foreign Secretary stated in the House last week that the first intimation which he had of the communication from the Italian Government was from the Prime Minister himself on the authority of an unknown person, does not the Prime Minister consider that communications from foreign Governments should be submitted to the Cabinet through the medium of the Foreign Secretary?

An official communication was asked for by the late Foreign Secretary and myself, to be given to us on Monday. This unofficial information reached me on Sunday and I communicated, as I though it my duty to do, that information to the Cabinet as a whole. It did not make any difference to the decision. If it had been upon that in- formation that a decision was to have been taken, of course I should have asked the Italian Ambassador to let me have it before.

Is it not desirable from the point of view of the Foreign Secretary that information of this kind should not be conveyed to the Cabinet except through and on the responsibility of the Foreign Minister?

My right hon. Friend did not make any objection.

Arising out of the remark just made by the Prime Minister that this was asked for on the Monday, may I ask why that information from Count Grandi was asked for on the Monday? The right hon. Gentleman remarked that both he and the Foreign Secretary asked for a reply on the Monday morning which reply eventually came. Why was it asked for on that day?

Because we wanted to give the Italian Ambassador time to communicate with his Government.

Is it in keeping with the dignity of the Prime Minister of this country to receive unofficial communications like that?

asked the Prime Minister the identity of the person from whom the information as to the Italian Government's acceptance of the British formula was received?

No, Sir, this is not a matter of any public interest.

In view of the fact that Count Grandi did not convey the communication of his Government to His Majesty's Government until the day after the ex-Foreign Secretary had resigned, is it not definitely in the public interest that we should be told whether the person from whom the information was received on the Sunday was in touch with Count Grandi here in London or in touch with the Italian Government in Rome?

As nothing turns upon this confidential information, I cannot see that that matters.

Is the identity of this person known to the members of the Cabinet or to the ex-Foreign Secretary himself?

Is it not curious that these questions should come from a party who, when in office, had their policy dictated almost entirely from outside sources?

Are we to understand from the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has just given that the identity of the person concerned is known only to the right hon. Gentleman himself?

Not even known to me. I only guessed at it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Rating of Government Property Department have refused to pay rates to the Fife County Council in respect of properties in the parish of Creich and Monimail for the periods 1930–36 and 1932–36, respectively; what is the reason for this refusal; and whether he will take steps to secure full payment of arrears to the Fife County Council?

Rates are not payable for properties in the occupation of the Crown for the public service, but contributions in lieu of rates are granted in respect of such properties on application by the local authority, I understand that no application was received from the Fife County Council in respect of the properties in the parishes of Creich and Monimail until April, 1937, and that, upon receipt of the application, the appropriate contributions from Whitsunday, 1936, have been granted. A private ratepayer in similar circumstances could not be required to pay rates in respect of any period before that covered by the county council's application, and it is not the practice of the Exchequer to contribute in lieu of rates more than what would have been its liability as a ratepayer.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the assessment levied by the county council depends upon the ratepayer first having filled up certain forms which in this case was not done by the Government Department concerned; and will he look into that point?

I have made no secret of the fact that certain property is assessable, but I do not think that the taxpayer should be in any worse position than the ratepayer.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of cases in the last five years in which the powers under Section 7 of the Railways Clauses Act, 1863, have been exercised by which a railway company is required to erect a bridge in place of a level crossing?

These powers have not been exercised during the past five years. The hon. Member will be aware that a number of level crossings have been eliminated by the construction of bridges by the highway authority with the aid of grants from the Road Fund.

Is there any particular reason why this Section has not been applied during the past five years in view of the need for doing something in this direction independently of the local authorities?

Under Section 7 level crossings have to be eliminated on the ground of public safety. A large number of them have been eliminated on the ground of public convenience and this has to be done by way of grant, and so forth.

asked the Prime Minister whether the report of the Cadman Committee will be available before the Air Estimates Debate; and whether its publication can be expedited?

Yes, Sir, I anticipate that the report, together with a statement of the Government's intentions, will be published early next week at the latest.

Has the Cadman Committee been invited to rewrite or revise any portion of their report since they submitted it?

No, Sir, certainly not.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the passage in the German Chancellor's speech to the Reichstag relating to the activities of the foreign Press, he will assure the House that any agreement come to with Germany will not include any restriction on the freedom of the British Press?

Yes, Sir. But I should like to take this opportunity of repeating what I said in the House on 21st December about the responsibility of the Press in international affairs. I do not think that any greater service could be rendered to the cause of peace than by the exercise of restraint and toleration by the Press of all countries when dealing with foreign affairs, whether they are presenting their account of current events or commenting on policies or personalities.

In view of the extremely angry and threatening nature of that passage in the Chancellor's speech, would it not have an appeasing effect upon him if the right hon. Gentleman would set up a concentration camp for British journalists?

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he will state his reasons for breaking the established Parliamentary practice of having the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons?

Although I do not accept that there is any such established practice, I agree that, other things being equal, there are advantages in an arrangement under which the Foreign Secretary is a Member of this House. In the present circumstances, the disadvantages of a different arrangement are, in my view, outweighed by the outstanding qualifications of my Noble Friend for the office.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the widespread feeling in the country and in this House on this matter, there can be an opportunity for a discussion?

There may be an opportunity to-night perhaps, if the business of the Civil Vote is disposed of at a reasonable hour. If that is so, I should be very happy to move the Adjournment of the House so that there might be a discussion.

If the business on the Trinidad Vote should conclude, say, somewhere between 9 and 10, or after 9 o'clock, I should like to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Is there any possibility of the discussion on Trinidad being concluded early, and, if not, will there be any other early opportunity?

I do not think, in view of the congestion of our programme, there would be another early opportunity. Of course, it rests with the House itself whether it wishes the business in question to close at such an hour as to enable the dicussion asked for to take place.

Notice has been given that the question of the appointment of the Foreign Secretary will be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment. I have had a very short time in which to consider it, and I am not certain in my mind whether I should rule that such a question on the Adjournment would be in order or not. In the circumstances I shall be prepared, unless I consider differently between now and then, to accept it as in order on that Motion, but, considering the many implications that are involved in this question, I must not allow this to be established as a precedent. I must reserve to myself the right to alter my decision after reflection, and to reverse the Ruling if necessary.

I quite realise that this has come at rather short notice to you, Sir. I would only say that should it not be possible to raise the question on this occasion, we shall seek another opportunity.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister what arrangement he proposes to make with regard to the answering of Foreign Office Questions in view of the fact that the new Foreign Secretary is not a Member of this House?

I propose myself to deal with all important aspects of foreign affairs which are the subject of debate or question. As I informed the House on Thursday, I think the best arrangement will be for Foreign Office Questions to be addressed to me as Prime Minister, and that they should be placed in the positions occupied by the Foreign Office in the order of Questions. I think the House will appreciate the necessity of keeping these Questions entirely separate from other Questions which are addressed to me and which occupy their own position in the order of Questions. I have consulted Mr. Speaker, and arrangements have been made to make this distinction in the notices of Questions. As the House is aware, the Foreign Office Question days are Mondays and Wednesdays, when that Department occupies second and first place, respectively. As I have already stated, I propose myself to answer all Questions of major importance, and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will answer other Questions. I venture to hope that this arrangement will meet the general convenience of the House.