asked the Under-Secretary of State for India particulars that have been supplied to him of the number of British Europeans that have been killed and/or injured, in any communal riots in British India during the previous three years?

I have not heard of any British European having been killed or injured in any communal riot in British India between 1st April, 1936, and 1st April, 1939.

Am I to understand that under the Government of India Act the question of law and order is now solely a matter for the provincial governments?

That is so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India what measures have been taken by the Government of India in regard to the draft conventions and recommendations adopted by the Twenty-first (Maritime) Session of the International Labour Conference in 1936?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of two reports by the Government of India, stating their conclusions in regard to the draft Conventions and Recommendations adopted at the Session in question.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Government of India are not prepared to adopt these recommendations as regards the conditions of officers and seamen, because the British Government have not ratified the Convention; and will he make representations to the British Government, since the Government of India have expressed their sympathy with this Convention, to have some move made in that direction?

It is true that ratification by India was, in some cases, dependent on ratification by the United. Kingdom. Questions regarding the action of the United Kingdom should be addressed to the appropriate Minister.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma (1) what sums have been expended in Burma upon the construction of the Burma-China road; and what contribution to the cost has been made from the British Treasury or from other sources in view of the fact that it is at present being used solely by Chinese Government-owned or controlled lorries for the transport of military stores consigned to that Government and not for general merchandise;

(2) whether the recent construction of a motor-road connecting Burma with China through the territory of the Shan States was undertaken with the prior consent of the Shan chiefs; and whether such construction is consistent with the general tenour of our engagements with those States?

Up to 31st March last rather less than 3¾ lakhs of rupees, say £27,700, had been spent on the improvement of the Lashio-Kyuhkok road. No contribution towards this expenditure has been made from any source outside Burma. Except for the 11 or 12 miles nearest China the road is not new construction but is a well-established fair-weather road, the improvement of which to an all-weather standard is in line with the general policy of road improvement approved by the chiefs of the Federated Shan States. Though the traffic that has used the improved road up to the present may be mainly as described by my hon. and gallant Friend, it is open to all classes of traffic.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that the economic and biological consequences of this road, after the present emergency is over, are likely to be serious; and would he give serious consideration to the defence of Burma against unauthorised immigration from China?

I would not say that the permanent consequences will be serious but they are recognised as being important.

What is meant by the "biological consequences" of this road?

The hon. Member must not ask me to explain my hon. and gallant Friend's question.

Mixed marriages.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information regarding the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now indicate the willingness of His Majesty's Government to conclude a military pact of reciprocal guarantee embracing France, Russia, and Great Britain?

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the way in which the proposals received from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics differ from those submitted to them by His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received any proposal for a joint non-aggression pact between Russia, France, and Britain, or between Russia, France, Britain, and Turkey, or between Russia, France, Britain, Turkey, and Poland; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consider approaching the French Government with a view to giving a joint guarantee to defend the independence and integrity of Soviet Russia against aggression?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the official statements issued from Moscow, he will now state the nature of the Soviet Union's proposals which were rejected by His Majesty's Government?

His Majesty's Government are now awaiting a further communication from the Soviet Government, and I cannot at present amplify the statement which I made on 10th May. My Noble Friend, who will be attending the forthcoming session of the Council of the League of Nations, which opens on 22nd May hopes to have an opportunity of pursuing conversations with the Soviet representative on that occasion.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the exchange of memoranda through the ordinary diplomatic channels, is the best method of conducting these negotiations under existing conditions; and can we have an assurance that the negotiations will be continued by direct personal contact between the representatives of the two Governments?

Can the Prime Minister say whether a defence pact that would be fully reciprocal has been proposed by other nations?

I have said that I cannot amplify my previous statement.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the agreement with Turkey will not facilitate an understanding with Russia?

I cannot say.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he is unable to give, in broad outline, the proposals of the Soviet Government for a comprehensive security pact with this country; and does he not feel that this country is entitled to know what such a proposal is, since the safety of the people largely depends upon it?

I have said on a number of occasions that I do not think that these negotiations are facilitated by discussions taking place in public as to the particular stage which the negotiations have reached.

Have not these proposals been turned down?

Do not the Government think that the conclusion of a pact would be the best way of preventing altogether any kind of aggression in Europe; and, in reply to my Question No. 26, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that such a guarantee would help to consolidate the peace front in Eastern Europe?

I cannot discuss these matters until I am in a position to give further information.

Can my right hon. Friend say why so many people on the other side want to make these negotiations impossible?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to recognise Slovakia as an independent State?

In order to facilitate the conduct of normal business His Majesty's Consul at Bratislava has, on my Noble Friend's instructions, sought and obtained from the Slovak Government recognition as His Majesty's Consul for Slovakia. The Slovak Government have been informed that His Majesty's Government regard this step as amounting to de facto recognition.

Are the Government satisfied that the Government of Slovakia are quite independent of political control from other quarters?

I have given the hon. and learned Member the answer to his ques- tion, which is that we have given them de facto recognition.

Do His Majesty's Government propose to recognise the de facto annexation of Italy by Germany?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Governments of Poland or Rumania have made any formal objection to the conclusion of a pact of mutual assistance between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

The views of the Polish and Rumanian Governments have not been given formal shape, but their general attitude towards the negotiations which His Majesty's Government are conducting with the Soviet Government is known, both as a result of the visits of the Polish and Rumanian Foreign Ministers to this country and through diplomatic channels. It would certainly be inappropriate for me to disclose the views which have been thus expressed, more particularly as the recent visits of the Assistant Commissar for Foreign Affairs to Bucharest and Warsaw will have given an opportunity for an exchange of views between the representatives of the Soviet Government on the one hand and of the Rumanian and Polish Governments on the other.

May we take it that there is no objection in principle to the conclusion of some form of agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government?

Is not this another of those questions which are likely to make the conclusion of successful negotiations difficult?

asked the Prime Minister what obligations have His Majesty's Government to defend Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania against aggression; and whether, in the event of Russia being involved in war as a result of defending any of the States against aggression, His Majesty's Government are under obligation to come to the aid of Russia?

His Majesty's Government are under no obligations to these States except such as may derive from their membership of the League of Nations. I can add nothing to the statement made earlier to-day by the Prime Minister on the progress of Anglo-Soviet discussions.

Arising out of the answer to the second part of my question, will the Government consider closing this obvious gap in the peace front, thus securing the co-operation of Russia by removing one of the objections to the British proposals recently formulated on behalf of that Government?

I cannot add anything to the statement made, but naturally all such matters will come under review.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the invaluable aid given by Great Britain to these small countries when they got their independence in 1919, and will he keep this matter in mind in the negotiations with Russia?

Yes, Sir.

When the right hon. Gentleman says we have no obligations to them, has he overlooked our position as a guarantor of Memel?

The answer which I gave originally represents the position.

That is to say, the Government, have not recognised any obligation as a joint guarantor with other Powers for Memel?

Is it not a fact that the Government have obligations to all these countries under the provisions of the League Covenant?

As I have said several times to-day, my original answer said that.

asked the Prime Minister whether any communication was made by the German Government to His Majesty's Government prior to the denunciation by Germany of the German-Polish Agreement?

No, Sir.

Is it not without precedent for a Government to denounce an agreement of this nature without consultation with the Governments upon whom it laid some responsibility for the denunciation, and it is not impossible to carry on international relations under such conditions?

Does it not depend on which Government you are dealing with?

May I have an answer?

I cannot say whether there is any exact precedent, but I have given the answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question, which was that no communication was made to us.

Is it not a violation of the agreement signed by the Prime Minister and Herr Hitler that there would be consultation on all such matters?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make respecting the recent conversations with Monsignor Godfrey and the Vatican proposals for peace in Europe; whether he will inform the House of the precise proposals of the Vatican; and whether he has any statement to make respecting their reception by Germany and Italy?

I have been asked to reply. I have no statement to make on the subject. As the hon. Member will doubtless have seen in the Press, "His Holiness has not made any formal proposals. The last part of this question does not, therefore, arise. I can assure the House, however, that His Majesty's Government are naturally most sympathetic to any steps which His Holiness may think can usefully be taken with a view to furthering the interests of world peace.

Have His Majesty's Government been in touch, or are they likely to be in touch, with the Vatican, regarding this matter?

We should be interested to receive any communication from His Holiness, but His Holiness has not made any proposals.

asked the Prime Minister whether transport facilities are yet available for British business men who desire to travel between Hankow and Shanghai?

On 17th April some 20 passengers were conveyed in British ships from Shanghai to Hankow and on 29th April some 50 passengers including all the British subjects who wished to do so left Hankow for Shanghai. But regular facilities are not as yet available and discussions on this subject are proceeding with the competent Japanese authorities.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that crumb of comfort, may I ask him to take this question up with the Japanese Government and press very strongly on them the great hardship not only to business men but their wives and families caused by these restrictions on facilities for traffic on the Yangtse; and will he also say whether he has had any further discussions with the officers and the Admiral commanding the China station on the matter, as I asked him to do on 13th March?

All such contacts have been maintained, and His Majesty's Government realise the seriousness of the situation described by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with the object of focussing world opinion upon methods of warfare which entail wholesale massacre of civilian populations, he will consider approaching other governments to organise collective representations to Japan in favour of abstention from such aerial attacks as have been made on Chungking?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has made strong representations to the Japanese Government urging that from a humanitarian point of view, as well as in Japan's best interests, stringent instructions should be sent to restrict attacks to recognised military objectives. Sir R. Craigie observed that in the case of the Chungking air raid, casualties appeared to have been suffered almost exclusively by the civilian element of the population. My Noble Friend understands that representations on very similar lines have been made to the Japanese Government by the Ambassadors of other countries.

In view of the great damage caused by these raids would it not be possible for the Council of the League, which is meeting shortly to consider this question, to pass a resolution similar to the resolution passed in September of last year by the League Assembly?

That is a matter for consideration but an initiative would be necessary.

Have replies been received from the Japanese Government?

Not on this matter.

Have any special arrangements been made for the security of His Majesty's Embassy?

In the representations made it has been pointed out that His Majesty's Embassy and Consulate have been hit in these raids.

In regard to the initiative at Geneva, will the Government bear in mind that the Japanese have systematically destroyed all the ports in territory which is still in Chinese hands?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the organised propaganda against British interests in those districts of China controlled by the Japanese; whether his information shows that this anti-British activity is instigated by the local Japanese authorities; and whether he will call the attention of the Japanese Government to the grave danger to friendly relations between Great Britain and Japan if such attacks are allowed to continue?

Recent reports from His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai, who raised the matter with his Japanese colleague in the early part of last month, show that this propaganda activity has diminished in intensity. The situation will continue to be watched, and representations will be made if necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement regarding the seizure by the Japanese of the steamship "Sagres"; and what action the Government is taking in the matter?

His Majesty's Government are awaiting a reply to the representations which were made to the Japanese Government, and which I described in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton ((Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) on 4th May.

Is this ship still under Japanese control?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not possible to take some steps to secure the release of the ship?

I will certainly investigate the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a British-owned newspaper in Shanghai published on 1st March the names and addresses of 34 opium dens in the Shanghai district outside the jurisdiction of the Shanghai Municipal Council which have been licensed by the Japanese authorities for $500 each per month; and whether he will make strong representations to the Japanese Government on the necessity for immediately suppressing opium traffic in the area under their control?

My Noble Friend has received a report to the effect that before 1st March there were some 34 opium hongs in the western extra-settlement area at Shanghai, which is under Japanese control, and that since this date four more have been established there. These hongs are licensed by an Opium Monopoly Bureau, to which it is believed that they each pay a monthly fee of some $500. The question of an approach to the Japanese Government in this matter is under consideration.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he remembers that I have been asking this question for some time now, and cannot something be done to stop this abominable traffic?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the licensing and authorisation of opium dens is a complete innovation?

In reply to the last supplementary question, I think that is the case. In reply to the former, I am aware of my hon. Friend's pertinacity, and I hope it will be rewarded.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the bombing of the civil population of Chungking, Chuanchow, and other Chinese towns by invading Japanese aircraft?

Complete particulars of the bombing of Chungking are not yet avail- able, but His Majesty's Ambassador in China reported on 10th May that the casualties among non-combatants resulting from the raids of 3rd and 4th May were estimated at 1,600 dead and approximately the same number wounded. It was feared, however, that the full casualty list would be found to be even higher when excavations were completed. At Foochow some 180 casualties resulted from the raids of 25th and 28th April, but the damage to British property was slight. At Ichang 40 buildings are reported to have been destroyed, and there were 40 casualties as the result of an air raid on 8th May. My Noble Friend has received no detailed reports of raids on Chuanchow or other Chinese towns.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received reports upon the action being taken by the Japanese naval authorities in excavating a base for submarines at Yulinkang, on the South coast of the Island of Hainan?

My Noble Freind has seen a report to this effect, but has so far received no confirmation of it from official sources.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider instructing a British Agent to inquire into this matter?

The question of taking steps to inquire into the truth of the report is at present under consideration.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the invasion and occupation by Japanese armed forces of the International Concession at Kulangsu and concerning the declaration by a Japanese naval authority that similar action might be necessary in the International Concession at Shanghai?

On the morning of nth May, the chairman of the Amoy Chamber of Commerce, a strong supporter of the local Provisional Government set up under Japanese auspices, was shot at Kulangsu, and later died. His assailant escaped. The same evening an armed Japanese naval party of between 100 and 200 men landed and started to patrol the Settlement, searching private houses and making many arrests. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has been instructed to protest against this forcible interference with the municipal administration at Kulangsu, which was established by an agreement between the Chinese Government and the foreign Treaty Powers, including Great Britain and Japan. As regards Shanghai, the Japanese Government can be under no misapprehension as to the unfortunate results on Anglo-Japanese relations which would be produced, were similar action to be taken by the Japanese in the International Settlement there.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any assurance that the occupation of Kulangsu is merely temporary?

I am awaiting an immediate report from His Majesty's Ambassador, and, when it is received, my Noble Friend will be able to give the hon. Member the information.

Are the Government in close contact with the United States of America; and are they making similar representations?

I understand it is reported, though I have no official confirmation, that the United States Commander-in-Chief in South China has arrived at Amoy from Soochow in the United States destroyer "Bulmer."

Has any effort been made to put an end to this unfortunate quarrel?

Yes, Sir.

Has any protest been made to Japan about this invasion?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain has been invited to attend at the victory march of Italian and Spanish troops in Madrid; and what reply has been returned?

The Spanish Government have invited His Majesty's Ambassador to attend the Madrid parade, together with the Service Attaché's. This invitation has been accepted.

Did His Majesty's Goverment, in accepting the invitation, take into consideration the fact that many of these Italian troops were responsible for the death of British sailors?

Is there any truth in the statement that His Majesty's Government intend handing over Gibraltar as a triumphal gift?

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Ambassador will attend this parade and will be saluting Italian troops who have been responsible for the death of British sailors?

I said quite clearly that His Majesty's Ambassador has been invited to this parade and has accepted the invitation.

Does this not show on which side His Majesty's Government have been all the time?

Is it not a fact that the French Ambassador also has been asked to be present?

Does not His Majesty's Government think that decency would have been better observed by declining this invitation?

I understand that other accredited representatives of foreign Powers in Spain have also been invited, and that it is in accordance with international practice for foreign representatives to accept official invitations of this nature from the Governments to which they are accredited.

Is it not the case that the Italian troops who will be participating in this victory march will be in Spain in violation of the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

I cannot accept that. Italian troops, we have been informed by the Italian Government, will leave Spain at the conclusion of this parade.

—

We cannot debate this question now.

May I give notice that, owing to the very unsatisfactory reply, I will raise this question at the first available opportunity?

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position regarding the claim against the Spanish National Government for damage caused by their actions to His Majesty's Ship "Hunter"?

It is hoped shortly to reach an estimate of the final cost of the damage to His Majesty's Ship "Hunter." A claim for this damage and a claim for compensation in respect of those killed and injured will then be presented to the Spanish Government.

Am I to understand that no money claim has been lodged against the Spanish National forces in respect to this matter?

I think the hon. Member must understand the answer that I gave. It is hoped shortly to reach an estimate of the final cost of the damage, after which a claim for the damage and compensation in respect of those killed and injured will be submitted.

But is it not correct to say that the right hon. Gentleman stated in this House that an estimate of the cost had already been prepared and a claim lodged against the Spanish National authorities some time ago; and is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to prosecute this claim with energy and insistence?

Yes, certainly. In any previous statement that I made I said, no doubt, that notification of the claim had been made, which is the usual practice. An estimate of the final cost has not yet been arrived at, and when it is, a claim will be submitted.

asked the Prime Minister on what date the civil war in Spain officially terminated; what numbers of Italian troops have left or entered Spain since that date; whether any communication has been made by His Majesty's Government to the Italian Government since that date relative to the withdrawal of Italian troops; whether His Majesty's Government regard the pledge of the Italian Government to withdraw Italian troops from Spain on the completion of the war as having been fulfilled; and whether the pledge extended to war material as well as to men?

At midnight on 1st April General Franco issued a communique stating that the war was over. Since that date His Majesty's Government have no information that any Italian troops have entered Spain. As the House has already been informed, withdrawals have been taking place but it is not possible to give exact figures. The occasion of the victory parade which is shortly to be held at Madrid has been stated by the Italian Government to be the date after which Italian men and war material will be withdrawn from Spain. No recent communication on this subject has been addressed to the Italian Government.

Is it not the case that the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement provided for the withdrawal of Italian troops upon the completion of hostilities in Spain, and not upon such an unspecified date as the victory march? Is it not clear, therefore, that the presence of Italian troops in Spain to-day is a violation of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, and that the presence of His Majesty's Ambassador at the victory march will be setting the seal of the approval of His Majesty's Government upon this violation?

I cannot accept so legalistic and unfriendly an interpretation.

Surely it is not a matter of interpretation but a matter of plain English? Did not the Agreement say that at the moment the civil war was over the troops would be withdrawn forthwith?

Can my right hon. Friend state whether the Great War, according to our Act of Parliament, finished in August, 1919?

—

This is about the sixth supplementary question which the hon. and gallant Member has asked on the same subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will report on the use made by the British Red Cross of the £50,000 grant made to them from the Treasury for the assistance of Spanish refugees in France or elsewhere; how much of the money has been expended and on what purpose; and what plans have been made for future expenditure?

His Majesty's Government have confidence in the ability of the British Red Cross to use the funds at their disposal in the most appropriate manner. General Fitzgerald, medical expert to the British Red Cross, is leaving for Perpignan again on 16th May to investigate the question of medical supplies. I understand that about £24,000 has so far been spent, chiefly on clothing, which appeared to be the prime necessity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is still a grave shortage both of medical necessaries and personnel in the refugee camps in Spain, and that they are inadequate for the separation of different kinds of diseases; and will he provide the House with full information of how the Red Cross is meeting these needs and use his influence with the Red Cross to see that they are met?

If the hon. Member will read my original reply, she will see that I said this medical expert was proceeding to Perpignan for the purpose of looking into the question of medical supplies.

asked the Prime Minister what reports, and at what dates, have been presented by the commission sent to Spain to investigate the bombardment of civilian populations; whether the reports have been, or will be, presented to the League of Nations; and whether he will cause these to be embodied in a White Paper and made available to Members of the House?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer contains a tabular statement I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Ten reports were furnished on the following dates, in respect of bombardments of the following towns: 22nd August, Barcelona. 23rd August, Alicante (two reports). 23rd August, Sitges. 29th August, Torrevieja. 17th October, Figueras. 23rd October, Barcelona. 11th November, Tarragona. 25th November, Barcelona. 2nd January, Barcelona.

These reports were presented to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations by whom they have been published. As these documents are so readily available, my Noble Friend does not think that the preparation of a special White Paper would be justified.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received any statement from the Italian Government in accordance with that part of the British-Italian agreement which arranges for the exchange of supplementary military information; and has reference been made to the recent German-Italian military agreement?

Yes, Sir. Exchanges of supplementary military information have taken place. The second part of the question does not arise, since the agreement is only concerned with the exchange of information about actual movements of naval, military, and air forces.

Is not the second part of the question covered by the agreement dealing with supplementary military information, which is not qualified in any respect in the agreement itself?

Any such information simply refers to the actual movement of naval, military, and air forces.

Does that reply indicate that His Majesty's Government knew nothing of the impending German-Italian alliance?

Have not the Government received information about the movement of Italian troops in Spain since the agreement was made?

I should want notice of particular cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make respecting Messrs. Jack Whitehead and William Allen, who were arrested and imprisoned at Graz in Austria, Greater Germany; whether he is aware that they are British cameramen belonging to the Association of Cine-Technicians; with what offence they have been charged; and what action he is taking to secure their release?

Yes, Sir. Reports from His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin indicate that Messrs. Whitehead and Allen are under preventive arrest at Graz and are awaiting the conclusion of an investigation by the authorities, who, it is understood, suspect them of having photographed buildings and objects of military importance. No charge has yet been formulated against them, and it is assumed that if the evidence against them does not justify a formal warrant for arrest, they will be released. Meantime they have permission to communicate with their relatives, and His Majesty's Ambassador, who is watching the case closely, will continue to give to them, as British subjects, all the assistance in his power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any further action than that which he has outlined, is the Ambassador keeping in constant touch with these men, and has he made any representations to the German authorities regarding the arrest, apparently without any charge being made, of these two British subjects?

I should like to reassure the hon. Member and the relatives of these men that His Majesty's Ambassador is watching the case very closely, and, of course, is using his influence to secure the release of these men or the formulation of a definite charge at the earliest possible moment.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman state on what charge these men were arrested?

I did indicate the charge.

asked the Prime Minister where the permanent headquarters of His Majesty's Ambassador to China are now fixed?

His Majesty's Ambassador to China has permanent offices in Shanghai. This port has been found by experience to be the most convenient place from which the Ambassador can maintain touch with British interests and pay the necessary periodical visits to the headquarters of the Government to which he is accredited and to other places in China, such as Peking, at which branch offices of his Embassy are maintained.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many men totally disabled by the Great War have no disability pension; and how many of these are at St. David's Home?

I am glad to have this opportunity of correcting a misunderstanding which appears to have given rise to this question. There is no ex-service man totally disabled as a result of his service in the Great War, whose claim to pension has been refused by my Department. I may add that full opportunity has always been afforded to any ex-service officer or man to put forward any claim he may consider he has against my Department, and every claim is fully investigated. There are present 15 disability pensioners in the home referred to who are under treatment at the expense of the Ministry.

When the Minister says that there are no disabled men without a pension, does he mean that the Minister of Pensions, acting as judge in his own cases, has determined that there is no disability when a great many other people know that there is?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state what action he proposes to take to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Imposition of Penalties by Marketing Boards and other similar bodies?

I am glad of this opportunity to express appreciation of the speed and thoroughness with which the committee completed their investigation. So far as agricultural marketing boards are concerned the recommendations of the Departmental Committee fall into three main groups, namely, those that would require amendment of the law, those that would require amendment of schemes, and those requiring only administrative action by a board. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are giving careful consideration to the recommendations in the first group, in consultation with the agricultural marketing boards, but it would not be possible, in any circumstances, to contemplate legislation this Session. The recommendations in the second and third groups fall for consideration by the boards themselves, and I am not in a position at present to indicate their views.

How soon will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be in a position to make a fuller statement under the second and third heads, and do the Government intend to legislate under the first head when time permits?

I cannot say when that time will be. We are now trying to get the board's views on the subject, and I hope there will be no delay in making a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to sheep, oats, and barley?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement, with regard to the Government's Agricultural Policy, with particular reference to sheep, pigs and barley?

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend, I hope to be in a position to make a statement on sheep, oats and barley during the present week. As regards pigs, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 24th April.

When does my right hon. and gallant Friend expect to make a statement?

There are still four working days.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the scheme for increased arable acreage, he will consider an opportunity of employing the services of the members of the Over Forty-Fives Association, Limited, and in addition will formulate some scheme of agricultural instruction for those applicants whose physique and qualifications seemed suitable?

It is open to any member of the Over Forty-Fives Association to volunteer for service on the land in the event of an emergency in response to the National Service Appeal which has been issued. The question of the provision of facilities for training volunteers for land work is under consideration.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say what he is doing to encourage them? Does he remember what he said before he became Minister of Agriculture about putting a million men on the land? Is he aware that men are still leaving the land?

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many permits are now in force under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, 1924, where mental defectives are employed at wages less than the recognised rates; and how many are open permits, where no wage rates and hours have been fixed?

The total number of permits of exemption from the minimum rates of wages granted by agricultural wages committee on grounds of mental deficiency which were in force on 30th September, 1938, was 1,781. In 35 of these cases no conditions were specified in the permits as to the wages and hours.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain homes for mental defectives are supplying men for this kind of work and that the employers are paying them just as much or as low wages as they can, and will he have this matter specifically inquired into and see what kind of treatment these mental defectives are receiving?

If the hon. Member will give me any cases of which he has knowledge I shall be pleased to look into them.

As the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given must have been supplied by some person or persons cannot the right hon. Gentleman easily ascertain the facts?

Is it not the case that the Central Association of Mental Welfare, whose good work is so well known, keep a close eye upon the welfare of all these persons?

Is it not the case that agricultural work is the best possible means of restoring sanity to men?

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that all possible inquiries are made before permits are given?

Before these permits are given all the main sections of agricultural county committees are consulted, and, as far as I know, there has been no complaint.

Do the figures refer only to England and Wales, or do they include Scotland?

They refer to England and Wales only.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what preparations he is making to utilise golf courses for pasturing sheep in the event of an emergency?

The powers that it is contemplated would be conferred on the Government in the event of an emergency would enable all potential grazing land to be used to full advantage.

Have the expert advisers of the right hon. Gentleman considered the biological influence of pasturing sheep on the quality of the pasturage, and will he keep that point in view in considering this matter?

Yes, Sir.

But are not sheep far more important than the golfers who frequent the courses?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the opinion expressed by the registrar at the King's Lynn Bankruptcy Court on the action of the Milk Marketing Board in stopping a dairyman's supplies for being a few days late with his cheques, he proposes to request that board to review their methods of dealing with such cases with a view to ensuring that the marketing schemes as a whole are not pre judiced?

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that the board's action in stopping this dairyman's supplies after due warning was in accordance with the contract entered into by the dairyman, who could have avoided such action by observing the terms of the contract after he had been requested to do so. The responsibility for administering the Milk Marketing Scheme rests with the board, and I am unable to direct the board in the exercise of its powers, save in accordance with Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to the Milk Marketing Board that they should treat these men less harshly and give them more of the milk of human kindness?

I have said that I have no power to make such a recommendation to the board, but I would point out that the board did give this dairyman no fewer than four warnings.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the chairman of the Herring Industry Board receives any other emoluments from public funds in addition to his salary of £1,600 per annum; and whether his appointment is a full-time one?

The chairman of the Herring Industry Board does not receive any emoluments from public funds in addition to his salary and his travelling and subsistence allowances. His appointment is full-time.

Is not the chairman of this board a retired officer, and does he not receive any pension for his services as an officer?

That is another question, but I will look into it.

Who is the chairman of this board? Is it Major-General Gibb, and does he not receive a pension from public funds for his services as an officer?

I think the hon. Member has got the wrong name.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of this board is the best appointment which the Government have made for a long time?

asked the Prime Minister the number of written protests against conscription which he has received from Scottish organisations?

I have received approximately 90 telegrams and letters from various branches of Scottish organisations. These include 34 from various branches of the Labour party and the Independent Labour party; 19 from branches of the Co-operative Society; seven from branches of trades and labour councils and 34 from miscellaneous bodies.

Is the Prime Minister aware that these representations come from very influential sections of the community, for whose co-operation the Government are asking, and will those representations receive the same consideration as the representations from Northern Ireland?

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he deduces from this that Scotland is any less patriotic than any other part of the United Kingdom?

Does the Prime Minister realise that a considerable percentage of the population of Scotland are not Scotsmen at all?

asked the Prime Minister when the memoranda provided by the experts to the British Guiana Refugee Commission will be published?