asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can furnish particulars of the murder of Major Bazalgette, political agent to the Orissa Federated States, in Ranpur at the beginning of January; and whether a military escort had, or had not, been placed at the disposal of the late Major Bazalgette?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement regarding the recent murder of Major R. L. Bazalgette in the Orissa. Federated States?

I much regret to have to inform the House that Major R. L. Bazalgette, the Political Agent in the Orissa States, was murdered by a mob in Ranpur State on 5th January. I am certain that the House would wish to join with me in expressing sympathy with the relatives of this valuable officer.

There has for some months been agitation in the Orissa States, and Major Bazalgette was touring through his charge ascertaining which of the grievances advanced were legitimate and advising Rulers what steps they should take to remedy them. His action had done much to calm the agitation. When he arrived at Ranpur, a State with a population of some 50,000 inhabitants, he found a large crowd in front of the Ruler's palace. I understand that he entered this crowd in order to investigate the contents of a cart, said to contain the bodies of two men killed by the State police. He is said to have ascertained that the cart contained two uninjured men. Having gone some little distance he found himself, owing to the pressure of the crowd, unable to return, and was set upon with lathis and stones and killed. I understand that he fired on his assailants after the attack on him began. Major Bazalgette was not accompanied on his tour by a military escort, and it is clear that neither he nor anyone else anticipated any danger. He was, however, accompanied in the mob by a Subadar of police from a neighbouring State and six or seven Ranpur constables. The Subadar and one constable were seriously injured. There were also outside the Palace about 40 other State police. Orders have now been issued that political officers in the Orissa States must be accompanied by military escorts. An investigation into the affair is in progress under the supervision of the Assistant Political Agent. Thirty arrests have been made.

Is it not a fact that trouble might have been anticipated, as the local Communist Press had been publishing fantastic lies for some time about this officer?

I could not say that. I can only say that the episode has met with general condemnation in the Press, including the Congress organs.

Is it not a fact that while the King's Own Scottish Borderers were on patrol through this area there were disgraceful suggestions that they had been torturing women and children; and was nothing done to stop this kind of allegation against British troops?

I believe there had been such statements in the Press. The point in connection with this question is that, nevertheless, no actual danger was anticipated as a result.

asked the Prime Minister whether British ships have recently been sent to Valencia for the purpose of repatriating members of the International Brigade; and how many ex-combatants have been repatriated from this zone?

No British ships were sent to Valencia for this pur- pose since the Spanish Government arranged to transfer to Catalonia the foreign volunteers in the southern sector of Government Spain. Pending a further report from the League Commission engaged in verifying the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Government Spain, I am not in a position to say how many volunteers have now been repatriated from the southern zone.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether the Government can take some steps to expedite the evacuation of the International Brigade, in view of the great danger of their falling into the hands of the insurgent troops?

The Government are well aware of the difficulty to which the hon. Lady has drawn my attention.

Is it not a fact that if they fall into the hands of the Nationalist troops they will be quite safe?

Is it not a fact that the International Brigade have been withdraw n from the firing line and disarmed?

We have been so informed by the League Commissioner.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the number of British citizens arrested on 30th January in La Linea; with what offences they have been charged; and what steps have been taken to safeguard their interests?

I am informed that no British subjects were arrested at La Linea, although the passes of six were withheld pending the institution of certain inquiries. The passes have since been returned, and the men have resumed their occupations.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the recent negotiations with General Franco with regard to compensation for British ships illegally sunk by armed forces under his command?

asked the Prime Minister what action he proposes to take to secure compensation from the Spanish insurgent authorities for the damage done to British shipping trading to Government Spain; when this is to be taken; and whether he will consider confiscating property belonging to the insurgent Gov- ernment and its supporters in this country to meet these claims?

I can at the moment add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) on 1st February about compensation for deliberate attacks on British ships. His Majesty's Government have always made it clear that the special procedure proposed for such claims is entirely without prejudice to the Government's right to present claims in respect of damage done in other classes of cases, and where necessary they have explicitly reserved the right to claim for compensation in respect of such damage. Confiscation of the property of the Burgos authorities and their supporters in the United Kingdom would amount to a policy of retaliation, on which, for reasons already explained to the House, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to embark.

Does the answer mean that the Government have so far received no reply to their last communication to General Franco, 10 days ago?

We have inquired by telegram over the week-end, and I understand to-day that a reply has been received, and that it is now being sent home.

Is it not a fact that as long as recognition is not given to the Nationalist Government there is only one Government responsible for paying compensation in Spain, and that is the Republican Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether, during his recent visit to Italy, he proposed to Signor Mussolini that the Italian troops now in Spain should be withdrawn, in accordance with the provisions of the plan unanimously agreed to by the Non-Intervention Committee on 5th July, 1938?

I have nothing to add to the full statement on the subject of the Rome conversations which I made on 31st January. The hon. Member will, however, remember that before the entry into force of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, the Italian Government had already given an assurance that they would withdraw their forces from Spain, according to the provisions of the Non-Intervention Committee's plan, if and when that plan came into operation.

Have the Italian Government at any time given any reasons why they should not themselves carry out the plan to which they agreed?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Signor Mussolini has declared his willingness to stand by the British plan, which was adopted by the Non-Intervention Committee in July, 1937, it is now proposed to bring the British plan into operation so as to ensure the complete withdrawal of all foreign volunteers from Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 31st January, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the resolution that was passed by the Fascist Grand Council on Saturday last, that there was no intention of withdrawing Italian volunteer forces until General Franco had achieved complete victory; and does not that indicate that the Italian Government have not the slightest intention of withdrawing their forces?

I should prefer to rely upon the assurances given to the Prime Minister, and in my answer I referred to the specific point of the Non-Intervention Committee's plan.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have made any protest with regard to the bombing of the steamship "Stanbrook" on 21st January in the Mediterranean, seven miles from Barcelona?

Yes, Sir, and a request for an immediate investigation was made.

Has General Franco been requested to make an investigation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Burgos authorities now deny that they ever agreed to pay compensation for damage done by deliberate attacks on British ships;

(2) whether he will publish the note from the Burgos authorities upon receipt of which he announced in July the willingness of the Burgos authorities to pay compensation?

The Burgos authorities have never denied their ultimate liability to pay compensation for the damage caused in these attacks though, as the House is already aware, misunderstandings have arisen regarding the date at which such compensation is to be paid. Since the substance of the note which was received from the Burgos authorities in July last on this subject was given by the Prime Minister in his speech on 26th July publication seems unnecessary.

Are we to understand that the Burgos authorities have ever agreed to pay compensation?

They have never denied their ultimate liability.

Have they ever accepted their ultimate liability?

As the hon. Member will be aware, there is an exchange of notes with the Burgos authorities on this subject of the payment of compensation going on at the present time.

If they have not accepted the ultimate liability, on what did the Prime Minister base his statement in July?

The Burgos authorities have never denied their ultimate liability, and we have no reason to suppose that they will.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has had any reply to his representations to General Franco on the subject of not allowing reprisals in the conquered territory?

Yes, Sir, General Franco's representative at Burgos states that the commission of acts of revenge would be entirely contrary to his policy and intentions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the reports received from British authorities at Barcelona as to reprisals carried out there by the representatives of General Franco?

No acts of reprisal by General Franco's forces in Barcelona have been reported by His Majesty's representative in that town who bears witness to the order and disciplined behaviour of the troops.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that if such reprisals had taken place the British authorities were so situated that the reprisals would have come to their attention?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the official statement of Dr. Negrin on 2nd February, to the effect that Italy and Germany have supplied arms and munitions to the Republican Government, and that contraband supplies and help are now being received from the central and southern regions; and whether the Non-Intervention Committee has ascertained through what port or frontier such supplies have recently reached the Catalonian Government?

I have seen reports of this statement in the Press, but I understand that the Non-Intervention Committee have no evidence that such supplies have been sent.

Have the Non-Intervention Committee inquired on the spot since this statement was made; and is it not the fact that there was a declaration throughout the world to that effect, and will my right hon. Friend cause inquiries immediately to be made?

I have said that the Non-Intervention Committee have no information, and I have also seen a German denial in the Press.

Is it not the fact that the Non-Intervention Committee have no knowledge of either German or Italian armaments going to the Insurgents?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that specific charges have been made that there were 100 aeroplane engines and many aeroplanes and 1000 machine guns still in their packing cases in Barcelona; and cannot he at least make inquiries into that matter, as it is very important?

That is dealt with in the next question.

Did not the Prime Minister make a statement last week that the other nations could please themselves what they did with regard to arms for Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will draw the attention of the Non-Intervention Committee to the claim of the Nationalist forces in Barcelona that large supplies of aeroplane engines, aeroplanes and parts, have been discovered in the actual packing cases and crates in which they arrived; and whether the committee caused or will cause immediate inquiries to be made with a view to discovering the country of origin?

His Majesty's Government can only bring before the Non-Intervention Committee cases for which they can themselves vouch.

asked the Prime Minister whether the committee investigating the bombing of non-military objectives has received an official estimate from the Nationalist and Republican Governments, respectively, of the casualties inflicted by enemy air attack upon towns, as distinct from ports, munition areas, or military centres, in the zones occupied by their respective Governments?

The Commission of Investigation have not, so far as I am aware, received any such official estimates from either the Spanish Government or the Burgos authorities. I am, however, making inquiries on the subject.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that official estimates have been given by both parties in Spain, and that the Nationalists say 9,000 casualties of civilians in open towns, and will he look into this matter?

I have said that I am making inquiries on the subject.

Why not suggest to General Franco that it would be better that the British Mission should inquire into the matter as well as having an inquiry on the Government side?

The British Mission is certainly available for such a purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Polish Government have been consulted on the question of the retention of the League of Nations High Commissioner at Danzig; and what is the Polish attitude thereon?

Yes, Sir. I cannot, however, undertake to explain the attitude of the Polish Government.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had certain conversations with the Polish delegate at Geneva at which this matter was discussed; and what is to be the position of the League Commissioner and the Status of Danzig?

The latter part of the question raises rather broader considerations, and I would refer the hon. Member to the statement issued by the Committee of Three after their meeting at Geneva. With regard to the conversations I have had with the Polish delegate, I certainly kept in close touch with him throughout.

asked the Prime Minister what reciprocal undertakings have been given to this country in the Anglo-Portuguese treaties dating from 1373 to 1703 in return for a guarantee from Great Britain to defend Portuguese territory; and whether, in the event of Great Britain being involved in war, Portugal is under treaty obligations to assist Great Britain with her armed forces?

The treaties of 1373 and 1386 contain provisions of a reciprocal character with regard to the rendering of assistance in time of war. These ancient treaties were confirmed in the treaty of 1703 (which contained further reciprocal provisions) and again in 1899.

Is the House to understand from that that these reciprocal undertakings on the part of Portugal include armed assistance to this country in the event of war?

The reciprocal provisions in the ancient treaties contemplate that each party shall, if called upon, give the other such assistance as its own situation may permit.

asked the Prime Minister the number and the extent of claims for compensation received from British firms in China in respect of destruction of their property by Japanese military action?

Nearly 300 claims for amounts totalling over £230,000, on account of destruction, confiscation, damage or looting, have so far been accepted as admissible and have been presented to the Japanese Government.

Can my right hon. Friend hold out any hope of an early settlement of these claims?

My hon. Friend will be aware that claims of this kind are usually settled at the end of hostilities.

Can my right hon. Friend give the approximate total cost of the damage sustained?

I cannot do more than give the amount of the claims.

What reply has been received from the Japanese Government?

Their receipt has been acknowledged by the Japanese Government.

Is it not true that the Japanese have made a declaration that they will not pay compensation for damaged property?

I should not like to accept such a general statement.

asked the Prime Minister under what rule of international law the Japanese Government an taking action to prevent British vessels from using the Pearl River as the natural means of approach to the British concession at Shahmeen?

The Japanese allege that they are conducting military operations which would be impeded by the movements of third-party shipping.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any statement from the Japanese Government on the question of the reopening of the Yangtze River, and the inland waterways of the Yangtze basin to foreign shipping?

No statement has been received from the Japanese Government on this subject subsequent to their note of 14th November, 1938. Further evidence of Japanese trading on the Yangtse was communicated to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo on 14th January last.

In view of the fact that the Japanese are trading on the river and are advertising for passengers and goods for transport, will my right hon. Friend see that our ships have the same privileges?

That is the reason for the evidence submitted by His Majesty's Ambassador.

Are we to understand that the Government asquiesce in the holding up of British shipping; and are they going to do nothing more about it?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resolution adopted by the League Council, on 20th January, inviting the members of the League to examine the proposals of the Chinese Government for certain measures of economic assistance, His Majesty's Government propose to make any response to the request of the Chinese Government for assistance?

Certain proposals of the Chinese Government for economic assistance are under consideration, but I am not able to make a detailed statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether any shorthand records are now being kept by officials of his Department, in order to ascertain whether the recent slanderous broadcasts from German stations on the conduct of British troops in Palestine have now ceased?

Arrangements have been in force for a considerable time to obtain accurate data regarding these broadcasts, which, I regret to say, do not yet appear to have ceased.

Will my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity of pointing out to the German Government the impossibility of putting the relations between our country and theirs on a better footing, as there can be no confidence as long as this lying propaganda goes on?

The position of the British Government remains as stated by the Prime Minister. I would refer my hon. Friend to his statement of 21st November last.

Would it not be wise for the hon. Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer) to refrain from asking such questions? Otherwise he will not get an Under-Secretaryship.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Herr Hitler's statement that his offers to limit armaments have been rejected, His Majesty's Government will again make it clear that they are willing to enter into discussions for this purpose immediately?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement on 31st January, to which I have nothing to add.

Will my right hon. Friend not make a positive approach to the German Government with a view to bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion?

I do not think the time has come for that.

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the reports he has received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris as to the number of Indian subjects who have been arrested in Paris and deported during the previous six months; and can he make a statement with reference to same?

My Noble Friend has received reports from His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris concerning the expulsion from France of three Indian subjects during the past six months. The position is that His Majesty's Ambassador has been in communication with the French Government about these cases, but the latter have not seen their way to rescind the expulsion orders.

Were these subjects journalists?

I know that at least two of them were journalists.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the recent agreement between the German and Czechoslovak Governments, by which the Czechoslovak Government have agreed that German armed forces shall have the right of transit across Czechoslovakia both in time of peace and war?

I understand that there have been negotiations between the German and Czechoslovak Governments regarding German transit traffic over the Czechoslovak railways, but my Noble Friend has received no details of any agreement which may have been reached on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent statement of the French Foreign Minister that in the case of war the forces of Great Britain would be at the disposal of France, just as all the forces of France would be at the disposal of Great Britain, is in accord with the views of His Majesty's Government?

According to my information Monsieur Bonnet stated in the Chamber of Deputies on 26th January that in the case of a war in which the two countries were involved all the forces of Great Britain would be at the disposal of France just as all the forces of France would be at the disposal of Great Britain. This is in complete accordance with the views of His Majesty's Government. It is impossible to examine in detail all the hypothetical cases which may arise, but I feel bound to make plain that the solidarity of interest, by which France and this country are united, is such that any threat to the vital interests of France from whatever quarter it came must evoke the immediate co-operation of this country.

asked the Prime Minister how far the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement have been carried out in Libya for the progressive reduction of Italian troops; and whether he has any information as to the total numbers now located there?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson), on 12th and 21st December, to which I have at present nothing further to add.

These reductions ought to have continued since then, and are they still continuing at the rate of 1,000 per month?

This matter is receiving attention, and we are making inquiries. I cannot say more at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increased danger to vulnerable positions caused through the changed conditions of aerial warfare since the issue of the White Paper on the Channel Tunnel in June, 1930, and having in mind the bearing of the recent crisis on food and other supplies of great importance to this country, he will further consider the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the advantages which would now be obtained by the construction of a Channel tunnel to be used for urgent military and/or economic purposes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Thursday last in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans).

Can the Prime Minister say whether any approaches have been made to the Government by the French Government?

Not that I am aware of.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements can be made to ensure that during the coming visit of the French President to this country he will be received in two or three of the principal provincial cities as well as in London, with a view to doing everything possible to cement good relations between this country and France?

I understand that, in view of the short duration of the President's visit and of the numerous engagements which have already been made for him, it will, unfortunately, not be possible for him to visit any provincial cities.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there are provincial cities which would welcome a visit from the French President?

I am sure they would, but we have to make allowance for the number of engagements he has already got.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the continued decline in the numbers of men and boats and in the earnings of the herring industry, and, in particular, the distress of skippers and crews of steam drifters; and whether it is the intention of the Government to offer any further assistance to the industry to meet the unfair and artificial obstacles placed in the way of herring exports to the Continent?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the condition of the British herring industry to which my hon. Friend calls attention. As my hon. Friend is aware, the whole position was fully considered last year and the Herring Industry Act, 1938, contained provision for additional assistance. I understand that the Herring Industry Board are applying themselves, inter alia, to the question of new markets abroad. In any case the Government will continue to do what lies in their power to open up and maintain such markets for our herring exports.

Will my hon. Friend consider the advisability of offering some financial assistance to the trawler crews, who were not aided by the recent Act to which he has referred?

My right hon. Friend will give consideration to any proposition which my hon. Friend may bring forward.

In taking steps with regard to new markets, will the Minister keep in view the position of the Clyde in relation to those new markets?

Yes, Sir.

Will the herring industry be taken into consideration in this regard?

I will read again a relevant portion of my original reply:

"I understand that the Herring Industry Board are applying themselves, inter alia, to the question of new markets abroad."

asked the Minister of Agriculture what information he has as to the effects of restriction schemes in reducing supplies of fish to the consumers of this country; and whether, as it is desirable that this vital food should be free from restrictions on its supply, he will take steps to maintain the profits to the fishing industry on the basis of larger sales at lower prices, secured, if necessary, by sales campaigns, instead of by restriction of supply?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a voluntary scheme for regulating the operations of the distant-water fishing fleets of Hull and Grimsby has been in operation during the past year and is being continued for a further period. It was adopted as an emergency measure because over-production had resulted in bringing down the port prices of white fish to an unremunerative level. The scheme has resulted in reducing supplies below the record figure for 1937, but the total quantity of white fish landed by British vessels in 1938 was, nevertheless, the highest ever recorded apart from 1937. Moreover, while the average port price for Great Britain for 1938 was higher than that of 1936 and 1937, it was, nevertheless, well below that of 1934 and 1935.

Has the Minister received a lot of representations on this subject from persons engaged in the trade?

I believe that some have been received.

asked the Minister of Health whether panel doctors are expected, and permitted under the regulations, to supply any drug they wish to panel patients?

Insurance practitioners are required by their terms of service to order any drugs which are necessary for the adequate treatment of their patients.

How does the hon. Member explain that some practitioners have been fined up to £100 for supplying drugs unnecessarily?

If a prima facie case of extravagance is made out, then my right hon. Friend goes into the question with the local panel committee.

How are you going to get this information into the hands of the various local committees?

As far as I am aware, it is already there.

Will the hon. Member make inquiries again and see whether this is the correct answer?

Is it not the case that a medical practitioner has to get the consent of the Department before he orders an expensive drug?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing instructions to public assistance authorities authorising them to exclude from the income of an applicant's household when assessing relief any amounts which may be granted by private charities for the express purpose of enabling an applicant's children to receive advanced or secondary education?

My right hon. Friend has no power to issue instructions authorising public assistance authorities to ignore such grants.

Is it not the case that private charity exists solely to enable an applicant's children to have continuous education, and that they can only make such grants to people as are in receipt of public assistance? Therefore, what is happening now is that private charities can never be used to subsidise public assistance, and that the applicant is no better off. Will the Minister consider issuing amending instructions so that people can benefit from private charity?

My right hon. Friend has no power to issue such instructions; he is precluded by Section I of the Poor Law Act from interfering in the scales of relief.

Will the hon. Member seek the necessary powers?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the Birmingham City Council to impose a means test on the tenants of their municipal houses, which will result in large increases in rents to many of these tenants; whether he is aware of the large amount of discontent which exists among the tenants in consequence; and whether he is prepared to receive a representative deputation from the tenants with a view to their being enabled to put their point of view before him with the object of alteration or amendment of the proposed scheme?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am making inquiries, but I may say generally that the fixing of rents of council houses is by statute a matter for the discretion of the local authority. With regard to the latter part of the question, the hon. Member will perhaps allow me to defer replying until the inquiries are complete.

Is it not the case that this scheme is going to result in lower rents to a large number of tenants, that in fact there is no general means test at all, and that the scheme is being very much prejudiced by the inaccurate propaganda of Members of the Opposition?